INTRODUCING THE HEIGHTS
A new community providing a place for domestic violence survivors and their children to live, heal, and thrive
Domestic violence and sexual assault is a growing problem in communities across the country. Survivors often feel trapped between living in danger or being homeless. We think that they deserve better.
That’s why, through the help of generous partners and supporters like you, the YWCA Richmond is building The Heights, a first-of-its-kind model community in the Commonwealth of Virginia that shifts how we approach housing for survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse. Rather than providing emergency shelter for a night or two, The Heights community will offer…
- 19 deeply affordable one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments for domestic violence survivors and their children to call home for a year or more
- availability of critical resources onsite for residents–including counseling, case management, legal advocacy, workforce navigation and more
- access to a new 11,000-square-foot Sprout School on the property that will serve 150 children with year-round, high quality care and early childhood education*
- close proximity to schools, employment opportunities, and public transportation
- the chance for survivors to break the cycle of domestic violence and provide better lives for themselves and their families
*Enrollment at the Sprout School is open to the broader community, including residents of The Heights
Watch this short video to learn more about how The Heights came to be and why this community is critically needed in Central Virginia.
Did you know that domestic violence is the #3 cause of eviction in Virginia? The Heights will provide housing for more than 250 individuals escaping domestic violence each year.
Are you ready to help us break the cycle of domestic violence?
Every dollar donated helps us to meet a critical need at The Heights.
Interested in providing a major gift or partnering with the YWCA Richmond on this community or other work in Central Virginia? Reach out to Rupa Murthy, CEO, or Haley Moog, Director of Major Gifts & Advancement Services.
Faq
FrequentlyAskedQuestions
Some preliminary FAQ content to consider
The Heights community is located on five acres in the Highland Springs area of Henrico County. It is in close proximity to schools, employment opportunities, and public transportation.
Construction on The Heights community began in early 2026 and is expected to be completed by summer 2027. Follow us on Instagram @ywcarva to see our building progress.
The Heights is managed by the YWCA Richmond, a non-profit organization with a nearly 140-year history of making the lives of women, families and children better in Central Virginia. Learn more about the YWCA Richmond and our mission to empower women and eliminate racism.
Yes! The Heights is named after Dorothy Height, a civil rights and women’s rights activist who was born here in Richmond in 1912. YWCA Board member and added “eliminating racism” into our mission across the nation. She was known for her pioneering spirit, was a close associate to many well-known civil rights leaders, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994. We are honored to be able to name the community after her.
There are several ways to help.
A financial donation today will help support our construction of The Heights community, other critical emergency response needs and our prevention and outreach program. Donations can be one-time or recurring.
The YWCA Richmond also accepts in-kind donations to fuel our mission. We need these items to support our Sprout Schools and resources for survivors.
Have time to give? We can always use the help. Sign up to be a volunteer here.
No, the Sprout School is open to all children between the ages of two months and five years. We believe that everyone deserves access to quality year-round childcare and early childhood education.
Enrollment is open right now and you can join our Wait Pool to begin the enrollment process. Please visit our website at www.sproutschoolrva.org/enrollment.