Homeless Assistance in Virginia
Locate emergency shelters, federal programs, state assistance, financial aid, healthcare, and employment support available to Virginia residents.
Emergency Housing & Shelter
Immediate options for Virginia residents who need a safe place to stay tonight.
Emergency Shelters
Find available shelter beds tonight across Virginia. Call 211 for real-time availability and directions to the nearest open shelter in your area.
Get StartedFamily & Youth Shelters
Specialized shelters for families with children and unaccompanied youth in Virginia. Safe environments with case management and wraparound support.
Get StartedVeterans Emergency Housing
Dedicated emergency housing for Virginia veterans. HUD-VASH vouchers and VA-funded supportive services are available statewide. Call 1-877-4AID-VET.
Get StartedFederal Assistance Programs
Federal programs available to eligible Virginia residents regardless of city or county.
HUD Continuum of Care
Primary federal program organizing housing and services for homeless individuals in Virginia. CoC regions provide transitional and permanent supportive housing.
Get StartedEmergency Solutions Grants
Funds emergency shelters, street outreach, homeless prevention, and rapid re-housing. Virginia receives federal ESG funding distributed through local providers.
Get StartedHousing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
Rental assistance vouchers for very low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals. Apply through your local Virginia Public Housing Authority.
Get StartedHUD-VASH (Veterans)
Combines Section 8 housing vouchers with VA supportive services for veterans experiencing homelessness. Available across multiple Virginia locations.
Get StartedPATH Program (Mental Health)
Outreach, case management, and mental health support for homeless individuals. Operated through Virginia community mental health centers statewide.
Get StartedSNAP Food Assistance
Helps low-income Virginia residents buy food. Apply at your local benefits office. No permanent address required to apply.
Get StartedVirginia State Programs
Programs funded or operated specifically by Virginia for residents experiencing homelessness.
Virginia Homeless Solutions Program
State-funded program supporting local shelters, rapid re-housing, and permanent supportive housing through Virginia’s network of regional planning districts.
Get StartedTANF – Virginia (VIEW)
Virginia Initiative for Employment not Welfare provides cash assistance and employment services for eligible Virginia families. Apply at commonhelp.virginia.gov.
Get StartedVirginia Medicaid
Health coverage for eligible low-income Virginians. Virginia Medicaid expansion (2019) covers adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level.
Get StartedVirginia Housing Programs
Virginia Housing Development Authority provides affordable housing resources, rental assistance, and housing grants for low-income Virginia residents.
Get StartedVirginia Workforce & Employment
Free job training, resume help, and career placement through Virginia’s Workforce Development programs. Find your nearest office at the link below.
Get StartedLIHEAP Energy Assistance
Helps low-income Virginia households pay heating and cooling bills. Distributed through local community action agencies. Call 211 to find your provider.
Get StartedLocal Resources by City
Major Virginia cities with dedicated homeless services and housing authorities.
Richmond
HomeAgain Richmond — homeless services, shelter placement, and housing assistance for Richmond area residents experiencing homelessness.
Get StartedVirginia Beach
Samaritan House — emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid re-housing services for individuals and families in the Virginia Beach area.
Get StartedArlington
Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network — housing resources, case management, and emergency assistance for Arlington area residents experiencing homelessness.
Get StartedFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about getting homeless assistance in Virginia.
- HUD-VASH — Section 8 vouchers specifically for veterans with VA case management
- SSVF — Rapid re-housing and prevention for veteran families
- Virginia Veterans Housing — Affordable housing and support for Virginia veterans
Assistance by State
Select a state to view its specific homeless assistance programs and resources.
