Understanding the Community Homeless Information Line (CHIA):

In short, CHIA is a phone line you call when you need someone to help you navigate your housing crisis.

Contact Information/Hours:

Speak with CHIA by calling* 434-427-2442, Monday-Friday. If we don’t answer right away, we are on the other line. Please be sure to leave a voicemail so we know who to call back.

Working with CHIA:

Prompt:

  • The person who answers the phone line, runs CHIA full-time. When you call, you get a live person or a prompt call back!

Problem-Solving with You:

  • CHIA listens to better understand your exact concerns and steps you’ve taken to try to resolve the situation. Expect a few follow-up questions, too!

Tailored Resources:

  • CHIA walks you through next best steps/resources. This can look like discussing community resources, like rental assistance, education, the eviction process in Virginia, or referring you to an emergency program, like emergency shelter. You decide the next best step from there, because you know what you/your household need most. CHIA sends you (text or email) the resources from there. No long lists or packets to navigate.

*If a phone call is not accessible, please text that information to 434-427-2442. We will find a way!

 

Additional Resources

  • The Salvation Army of Lynchburg

    2215 Park Avenue, Lynchburg VA 24501

    434-845-5939

    • Overnight only

    • Photo ID and drug/alcohol testing required

    • Contact the Salvation Army for bed availability and intake hours

    The Refuge on Memorial

    2220 Memorial Avenue, Lynchburg VA 24501

    434-849-7962

    Day Shelter:

    • Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm

    Overnight Shelter:

    • Contact The Refuge for bed availability and intake hours

  • Understanding the notice you received from your landlord is very important. Only a judge can evict you from a property.

    Please click this link to learn more about the eviction timeline.

    If you have questions about your rights as a tenant or the notice you received from your landlord, please consider reaching out to a qualified legal resource:

    Virginia Legal Aid

  • 211 Virginia

    Connects people to information about:

    • Rental Assistance

    • Utilities Assistance

    • Home Repair

    • Affordable Housing

    • Shelter

    • Employment

    • Healthcare, and more!

    To reach 211, please dial 211 or chat with them using this link.

    Central Virginia Health District: Assistance Request Form

    Through this referral process, individuals can be connected to both community resources and Central Virginia Health District (CVHD) programs, including:

    Community Resource Connections

    • Food, housing, utilities, and transportation assistance

    • Medicaid and insurance navigation

    • Clothing and household goods

    • Legal assistance

    • Mental health resources

    • Peer recovery and support services

    • Additional individual and family support based on identified needs

    CVHD Programs

    • Maternal & Child Health Services

    • BabyCare Program

    • Car Seat Safety Program

    • Safe Infant Sleep Program

    • WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

    • Clinic Services

    • Immunizations

    • STI Screening and Treatment

    • Vital Records Assistance

    To request assistance, please complete the form found at this link.

 

Crisis Hotlines

CHIA is NOT a hotline. If you or someone you know does not feel safe, please go to your nearest emergency room or contact a resource that is available 24/7:

  • If you are actively fleeing domestic violence or assault, the following hotlines are free, confidential, and available 24/7:

    Bedford County:

    City of Lynchburg, Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Campbell, Nelson, Pittsylvania (northern part of county) County:

    Statewide:

  • The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached 24/7 by calling or texting 988. This lifeline serves anyone, anywhere, who may be experiencing thoughts of suicide, a substance use crisis, or another mental health crisis.

  • Call 911 or dial your local non-emergency dispatch number:

    City of Lynchburg: (434) 847-1602

    Amherst County: (434) 946-7874

    Appomattox County: (434) 352-8241

    Bedford County: (540)-586-7827

    Campbell County: (434) 332-9574