Amid one of the coldest and snowiest winters in recent Virginia history, we’re reminded of the importance of safe and reliable shelter. Having a place to call home is nothing to take for granted.
According to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) data, recently reported on by Axios, 7.8 Virginians (per 10,000 people) experienced homelessness in 2023 – up from 6.8 in 2019. That same HUD report also found a 12% jump in homelessness between 2022 to 2023.
While we can hope for warmer, milder weather to come, ultimately, no one should have to experience homelessness. From connecting folks with low-income housing to offering resources while people figure out their next step, these Virginia nonprofits are doing something about it.
Homestretch
Based in Falls Church, Va., Homestretch is a nonprofit that accepts referrals for families experiencing homelessness from social service agencies in the Northern Virginia area. All clients must have children and be motivated to improve their situation.
Programs address the root cause of homelessness by finding full-time employment for each adult, or a combination of part-time employment and schooling and affordable housing. Homestretch helps manage clients’ finances, so that 10% automatically goes into savings and 30% goes toward provided rent.
And this approach works. The families Homestretch supports have demonstrated success after receiving help:
- 88% remain housed after graduation
- 78% retain or improve their income once permanently housed
- 93% have savings once permanently housed
Learn more about Homestretch, including how to donate or volunteer, here.
Virginia Housing Alliance
This 501(c)3 is all about advocating for people experiencing homelessness – specifically working to expand housing development, educate Virginians about housing challenges and help localized housing nonprofits build their organizational capacity. It works with its network of members and national partners to address affordability and end homelessness.
VHA hosts annual conferences to talk about trends and explore best practices as it relates to interventions and services for the most vulnerable populations. You can attend an event, use your voice as an advocate, become a member as an individual or organization or donate to the cause.
Learn more here.
The Lamb Center
The Lamb Center, based in Fairfax, Va., is a daytime drop-in shelter that addresses all the basic needs – food, clothing and shelter – and then some.
The nonprofit understands there is a lot that contributes to an individual experiencing homelessness and works to eradicate it at the root. It partners with the City of Fairfax and Fairfax County to offer employment opportunities and training. Individuals are assigned a case manager, who can help them obtain identification or documentation and benefits. The Lamb Center also hosts weekly AA meetings, bible studies and walk-in appointments with medical and mental health specialists.
Support its mission here.
Cornerstones
The Reston-based nonprofit Cornerstones helps individuals experiencing homelessness face the issue of hunger. In November 2024, it opened the 10,000-square-foot FREE from Hunger Center, also known as “the food hub,” in Loudoun County. The center includes several large capacity refrigerators and freezers, as well as other equipment to help facilitate food rescue operations throughout the region.
Cornerstones’ housing program helps connect families with short-term emergency shelter and counseling to find an affordable, long-term solution.
Get involved with the 50-year-old nonprofit here.
HomeAgain
In the Greater Richmond Area, HomeAgain has been fighting homelessness for 40 years – helping more than 400 individuals in 2023 alone. The nonprofit understands the journey to stable housing isn’t a one-size-fits-all path and develops a unique plan for each client. While there are often many obstacles at play, HomeAgain ensures safe and reliable housing first and foremost.
It manages two full-time shelters to provide temporary support and case management. The Espigh Family Shelter supports up to 35 individuals comprised of single, adult women and families with children, while the Men’s/Veterans Shelter houses 30 adult men, with eight beds reserved for U.S. military veterans.
Those in need of immediate shelter can call the Homeless Connection Line at 804-972-0813. Donations are welcome here.
CARITAS
Richmond-based CARITAS operates in the intersection between homelessness and addiction. Helping individuals facing one or the other, or both, it is the largest provider of 24/7 shelter and recovery services in Richmond – and often helps some of the highest-need individuals who chronically experience homelessness.
The nonprofit is part of the coordinated system called the Greater Richmond’s Continuum of Care – along with Homeward, Housing Families First, HomeAgain, Virginia Supportive Housing and the Salvation Army – which works to increase shelter options across the region and streamline the process for those seeking help.
Learn about its impact and how to support its work here.
Liberation Veteran Services
Liberation Veteran Services, located in Richmond, is focused on providing the necessary resources and tools to help veterans experiencing homelessness get back on their feet, while treating them with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Over its 12-year history, LVS has served more than 700 veterans – with 86% achieving independent living for at least 12 months after graduating from the program.
The nonprofit announced it will be building a new $10.6 million “Veterans Village” this year. Individuals will be handed the keys to their own apartments with a private bedroom and bathroom and have access to a community building with a kitchen, dining hall, meeting spaces and offices for counseling.
Keep reading about its expansion plans and learn how to contribute here.
