RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - As the federal government shutdown continues to cast a shadow of uncertainty, the city of Richmond is taking crucial steps to help those affected.

On Friday, Richmond Mayor Dr. Danny Avula announced a plan to address critical needs ranging from food insecurity to alleviating utility cost burdens.

City leaders say that this is a time of crisis and Steven Nesmith, CEO of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority believes that the community needs to come together to fight it.

“This is a stance of unity, a stance of togetherness from the mayor, our great mayor, elected officials from the general assembly. Those who feed and care for public housing residents and the residents throughout the entire city of Richmond,” Nesmith said.

At the forefront of the city’s

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