Understanding Homelessness and Finding Resources
Homelessness is a growing crisis across the nation, and our community is not immune. Service providers in the Charlottesville area report that the number of unhoused individuals continues to rise, making the need for shelter and support increasingly urgent, especially during severe weather conditions like freezing temperatures and snow.
Understanding the Root Causes
It is crucial to understand that homelessness is a complex issue driven primarily by structural failures, rather than just individual circumstances.
The causes of homelessness are multifaceted, including the national housing crisis, unemployment, and the erosion of certain social safety net programs. Often, people are forced into homelessness due to a major life event, such as a health care crisis or the loss of a job, which compels them to choose between paying rent and covering expensive medical needs.
In markets experiencing housing pressures, such as Charlottesville, high rents and drastically low rental vacancy rates act as strong accelerators of this crisis. If there are not enough available and affordable housing units, even effective housing interventions, like utilizing vouchers, fail because there is nowhere for people to move into.
Who is Considered Homeless?
Federally, community partners use four categories of homelessness to define who needs care and resources:
Homeless: Lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, such as living in a place not meant for human habitation (like the street or a vehicle), or living in a temporary shelter.
Imminent Risk of Homelessness: Losing a primary nighttime residence within 14 days, having no subsequent residence identified, and lacking the resources to find new permanent housing.
Homeless Under Other Federal Statutes: Unaccompanied youth under 25 or families with children who meet specific criteria demonstrating instability.
Fleeing or Attempting to Flee Domestic Violence: Individuals or families with no other residence who are attempting to flee domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other dangerous, life-threatening conditions.
Essential Resources for Housing and Support
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness or is at risk, starting with the Homeless Information Line (HIL) is the primary coordinated entry point for services in the Charlottesville area.
1) Housing Access and Emergency Shelter
Homeless Information Line (HIL) / Coordinated Entry
Required first step for anyone seeking housing assistance, homelessness services, or rental-assistance eligibility screening. If you are within 14 days of losing housing or are currently homeless, call this line.
Contact: (434) 207-2328; Leave a voicemail with: your name, housing situation, phone number, and best time for a call back.
The Salvation Army in Charlottesville
High-barrier congregate thermal shelter (open 365 days/year). Must meet program requirements. Year-round soup kitchen.
Contact: (434) 295-4058
PACEM (People & Congregations Engaged in Ministry)
Low-barrier seasonal thermal shelter (Fall through Spring). Locations rotate among local congregations. Guests should arrive between 5:30–7:00 PM.
Contacts:
Men’s Shelter Line: (434) 465-1392
Women’s Shelter Line: (434) 465-7521
SHE (Shelter for Help in Emergency)
Emergency, temporary housing for victims and survivors of domestic violence.
Contact: 24-Hour Hotline: (434) 293-8509
2) Homelessness Prevention and Financial Assistance
These resources focus on helping residents maintain their current housing and cover essential bills.
Pathways Community Resource Hotline
Intended for residents of the City of Charlottesville who may be eligible for financial assistance for rent/mortgage and/or utility bills. Operators may also provide referrals.
Contact: English: 833-524-2904, ext. 3 (M-F, 9 am-5 pm); Para Español: 434-373-0930 (M-F, 9 am-5 pm)
Albemarle County Emergency Relief Program (ACERP)
Provides short-term financial assistance for needs such as rent, utilities, and reconnection fees.
Contact: (434) 972-4010
3) Day Shelters and Basic Needs
Day shelters provide crucial access to services that support health and stability while someone is unhoused.
The Haven
A multi-resource Day Shelter providing breakfast, showers, laundry services, computer access, a mailing address, and storage bins (if available). '
Contact: (434) 973-1234. Location: 112 West Market St., Charlottesville
City of Charlottesville Social Services
Provides supportive services including assistance with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Energy Assistance.
Contact: (434) 970-3400
Emergency Food Network
Offers a three-day supply of balanced meals to individuals and families in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, available on the same day requested.
Contact: (434) 979-9180 (Call 9 am-12 pm, Mon, Wed, Fri, or Sat)
Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry
Provides free groceries twice per month to families and individuals in Charlottesville and surrounding communities.
Contact: (434) 996-7868
4) Mental Health and Crisis Support
Region Ten
Offers mental health, intellectual disability, crisis, and substance abuse services for adults and children.
Contact: (434) 972-1800
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Provides prevention and crisis resources with 24/7 free and confidential support.
Contact: (800) 273-8255
Tackling homelessness requires collective structural responses, like increasing the supply of affordable housing, alongside sustained support for emergency and prevention services. Until housing is abundant, support systems must remain robust, offering crucial necessities like shelter, blankets, and warm meals.