Fearing the deadly impact of COVID-19 on one of Central Virginia’s most vulnerable populations, individuals and families experiencing homelessness, Homeward and the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care (the region’s network of homeless service providers) launched and managed a massive and coordinate response. A variety of programs were created or adapted to ensure the health and safety of those experiencing homelessness and the frontline workers serving them. Among the strategies was the launch of an emergency pandemic shelter and consistent public communications with important facts about the pandemic response.
HHHunt
Challenge: One of the largest developers in the Mid-Atlantic, HHHunt Corporation develops, builds, and manages residential real estate communities, including new homes and apartments, in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The company set ambitious growth goals across its various markets to fuel long-term expansion plans. These efforts would require a sustained and strategic marketing campaign across HHHunt’s footprint.
Senior Living Crisis Response
Challenge: A senior living operator faced a crisis over a situation at one of its communities in which a resident passed away after an altercation with another resident suffering from dementia. The situation around the matter was very sensitive. Gray Ryan Communications was brought in to assist after the family of the deceased resident sued the senior living operator and held a press conference to announce the lawsuit. Our team crafted a comprehensive plan in a short period of time designed to mitigate the fallout from the lawsuit and protect the reputation of the operator and community.
Westwood Tract Development
Challenge: When Union Presbyterian Seminary sold a parcel of land adjacent to its campus to a leading national multifamily developer, a vocal group of neighbors organized to block the development. Despite the need for new, quality housing in the community, this classic NIMBY effort played out in legal courts and the court of public opinion, threatening the development’s viability and Union’s long-standing reputation.
Glave & Holmes Architecture
Challenge: Celebrating five decades of success, Glave & Holmes Architecture was known for its traditional and classical style. Based in Virginia, the firm had evolved significantly during its history and had ambitious growth plans in both existing and new markets. The firm wanted to reintroduce itself to current and potential clients and better highlight its incredible work to support business development efforts.
Draper Aden Associates
Challenge: Draper Aden Associates, an engineering, surveying, and environmental services firm, had an impressive project list and lengthy roster of clients in Virginia, but had not gained earned media coverage in a number of years and was having trouble expanding its reach to the broader Mid-Atlantic region. The firm recognized the need to raise awareness in new markets about its powerful track record of success and growing services. Furthermore, the engineering sector was becoming increasingly competitive.