City’s saving Grace

If Joseph, Mary and the infant Jesus arrived in Richmond, they'd probably end up on West Grace Street.

True to its name, Grace east of Belvidere Street is buoyed by good will that seems divinely inspired. This strip is home to The Daily Planet, a beacon for the homeless, and the Salvation Army. This area is a safety net for people who have run out of options.

It's a place of quiet desperation. But not long ago, a few blocks east, Grace Street bustled with energetic cheer, particularly this time of year. Thalhimers, Miller & Rhoads and Berry-Burk & Co. teemed with holiday shoppers.

Two decades after the decline of downtown retail, and in the midst of a global economic meltdown, it's difficult to feel secure. When folks on the middle of the economic ladder struggle to maintain their footing, what becomes of those closer to the bottom rungs?

For those folks, the Salvation Army at Grace and Foushee is something of an urban manger. For now, it is home to Nakeisha Robinson.

"I was in a domestic-violence situation, and I ended up losing my apartment, and I ended up here," said Robinson, 22. She had never lived in a shelter before being referred to the Salvation Army.

Salvation Army or not, it was still Christmas for Robinson's 3-year-old daughter, Nyasia. Nyasia had already received a toy toaster-oven for Christmas and was eagerly anticipating more gifts from Santa.

"I'm grateful to have somewhere to go, and I really appreciate it," her mother said. "Because a lot of people don't even have this. And even though she doesn't have a lot of toys, I'm happy she has something."

In the face of hardship, Robinson was counting blessings.

"Even though I'm not in my own place, we still have a place to lay our head, and I'm able to let her know what Christmas is."

If Robinson was feeling gratitude, so was Richmond Commander Dan Proctor.

"I'll tell you this: The kettles have done better than they've probably done in eight years," he said. The Richmond Area Command's $250,000 goal has been exceeded. "We passed that probably last Saturday. So we are on course to go over $300,000 by the end of the day today."

People recognize that folks less fortunate than them are hurting and pulling together to assist, Proctor said. "I think we've seen more $5 bills than we've seen in a long time."

The Richmond Salvation Army has extended its 30-day stays in its homeless shelters to 60 days. Proctor says the 55-capacity shelter has been filled most nights.

"We've certainly had an increase in services over the same time last year. People are needing more food and more shelter. There are some nights when we have to put cots in the hallway. I think a wider range of people are being affected by the economy this time."

In January, the Salvation Army, the Daily Planet and other agencies that assist the needy will meet to discuss the funding challenges of the future. "I think we're all hit, really," Proctor said.

But those concerns can wait. After all, this is Christmas. "I'm just happy in this economy that we've come through with what I think is a successful year," he said.

Indeed. This is the season to celebrate those who provide for the least of us, with amazing grace.
Contact Michael Paul Williams at (804) 649-6815 or .