Emergency Shelter

Emergency Shelter When You Need It

In cases where homelessness prevention is not possible or safe, the emergency shelter may be used as a temporary measure. The Western Virginia Continuum of Care (CoC) works with shelter providers to coordinate services and referrals across the region.

Shelters in the region contribute information about the people they serve so that the CoC can help plan for programs to move people from homelessness into housing. Additionally, the CoC coordinates a collaborative process known as Built for Zero, which aims to reduce homelessness in the Shenandoah Valley to functional zero using service providers and other support programs to house veterans and those who are chronically homeless.

For homeless individuals with no place to stay, emergency shelters are dedicated to helping by providing basic needs, essential services, and a safe and warm place. Other emergency shelter services may include case management, financial assistance, transportation assistance, and spiritual support. The types of shelter may include scattered, congregate, and/or seasonal sites.

Each homeless emergency shelter in the CoC is independently managed and operated. As a result, hours of operation, policies, procedures, and available services vary from shelter to shelter. Eligibility may differ from shelter to shelter; please be sure to call before arriving at a shelter.

Emergency Shelter For Victims Of Domestic Violence (DV)

Due to the unique needs of individuals fleeing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, the CoC includes several domestic violence-specific shelters. The DV shelters operate a 24-hour hotline service and strive to empower survivors by providing free and confidential trauma-informed, victim-centered services; emergency housing; advocacy; outreach; support services; education; and awareness. Security at each DV shelter is of utmost importance; hence each one has a safety plan designed to keep victims and their families as safe as possible. DV shelters welcome and respect all intimate partners or relationship violence survivors who have experienced economic, physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, and/or verbal abuse or controlling behavior, isolation, threats, intimidation, gaslighting, stalking, and dating violence, regardless of race, ethnicity, color, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.

Download a print-friendly PDF of this Shelter Information (updated November 2024)

A Coordinated Approach To Helping People

The Western Virginia CoC works with shelter providers to coordinate services and referrals across the region. Shelters in the region contribute information about the people they serve so that the CoC can plan for programs to move people from homelessness into housing. In addition, the CoC works with housing service providers and other support programs to create housing plans for those who are chronically homeless and/or veterans. This collaboration is known as Built for Zero, and the goal is to reach functional zero homelessness.