About Us
Backpacks for the Homeless RVA Mission
Our mission is to be dedication to providing essential support to individuals experiencing homelessness by distributing backpacks filled with vital supplies, empowering them with resources for dignity, survival and home.
Our Story
From One Mans Vision to Reality
From One Mans Vision to Reality
Earnie Taylor began his mission of distributing backpacks to the homeless in 2013. That year, he managed to give out 44 backpacks. To fund his operation, Earnie took on side ventures, flipping electronics and vinyl records to cover the costs of storage units and supplies.
In 2016, the organization expanded its efforts, starting a program to pass out food every Friday. Additionally, with the support of the McGuire VA outreach, Earnie also began distributing tents and sleeping bags, which significantly contributed to the growth of the organization.
As news articles and TV interviews began to highlight their work, Backpacks for the Homeless RVA became a recognized name in the community.
March 2024 marked a pivotal moment for Backpack for the Homeless RVA, as the organization achieved its official 501(c)(3) status. This accomplishment not only solidified our presence in the Richmond and Chesterfield area but also opened new avenues for growth and impact.
With this official nonprofit status in place, Backpack for the Homeless RVA is poised to take bold steps toward growing our mission.
The organization is committed to expanding its outreach mission and ensuring that the unsheltered population in Richmond and Chesterfield receives the support and resources they deserve. By addressing these goals, and continuous advocacy for our homeless/ unsheltered neighbors Backpack for the Homeless RVA will continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those it serves.
Backpacks for the Homeless RVA in the Media
Meet our Volunteer Board Members
Earnie
President
Earnie's vision has united us in support of our humanitarian mission. From distributing 44 backpacks in his first year in 2013 to an expected 1,200+ backpacks in 2024, Earnie has proven that one person can inspire many to make a significant difference in a community.
Open Seat
Vice President
.
Nick
Parliamentarian
Liz
Tech Subcommittee Head
liz@backpacksrva.org
Meg
Treasurer
Tara
Web Admin and Social Media
tara@backpacksrva.org
Growing up in rural WV, Tara was raised in a household where time was more abundant than money. Both of her parents were deeply involved with the community, generously donating time wherever they could. They instilled this value in Tara, who has carried it forward into her own life. Balancing her private, professional, and volunteer commitments is not just a responsibility for Tara; it's her passion.
Target Homelessness,
Not the Homeless
6.28.24 Supreme Court Decision
U.S. Supreme Court decided that the US Constitution does not protect homeless people against cruel and unusual punishment, allowing cities to enforce bans on homeless people sleeping outside in public places
32% of Homeless in Richmond Are Employed
A renter in Virginia needs to earn at least $26.84 per hour in order to afford a two-bedroom rental. If you earn the state minimum wage, which is $12 per hour, you’d have to work an 89-hour week to make up the difference.
3.5.24 Richmond Homeless Highest Number Since 2015
The localities included are Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover, New Kent, Goochland, Powhatan and Charles City.
8.2024 Average Rent in Richmond $1,356
This means that families would need to make a minimum of $28.25 per hr/ $4,520 per month or $54,240 per year. The general guideline is to pay no more than 30% of monthly income, but this doesn't consider additional factors, such as monthly bills, child care, transportation, food and other expenses.
The average salary in Richmond is $25.02/ or $52.045 which starts families off financially short.
1.24.24 Richmond Reported 681 Homeless Persons
.About 70% of those people were sheltered. But 30%, more than 200 people, were unsheltered, which means they were not sleeping in a safe place. That's a 9.6% increase from the number of unsheltered people last year.
