Community Homeless Information Line (CHIA)
What is CHIA?
CHIA is a phone-based problem solving resource for community members who are already unhoused or worried they will become unhoused soon. CHIA serves the City of Lynchburg and the four surrounding counties: Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, and Campbell.*
*If you need resources for another area, please visit the community resource map.
What does CHIA do?
CHIA is similar to an operator, CHIA is here to connect community members to the best available resource for their situation. CHIA does not offer financial assistance or operate a shelter/housing program, however, CHIA can connect households to programs/resources that do offer these things!
How does it work?
CHIA will ask the caller a series of questions to ensure their safety and learn more about their specific housing situation.
CHIA takes the time to listen to the caller’s needs and honor the steps they have already taken to try to resolve the situation.
CHIA will offer information and resources that best fit their remaining housing needs. This can look like offering the next best community resource or an emergency referral to a program: Emergency Shelter, Homeless Prevention, or Street Outreach (when eligible).
Housing situations can change day to day. CHIA is always happy to revisit the conversation/resources as needed.
Hours & Contact Information:
CHIA is available Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm unless otherwise specified. You can reach CHIA by calling or texting 434-427-2442. If your call is not answered during normal business hours, CHIA is on the other line. You MUST leave a voicemail to receive a call back!
Additional Resources
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If you are actively fleeing domestic violence or assault, the following hotlines are free, confidential, and available 24/7:
Bedford County:
Toll-Free: 1-877-656-1984
City of Lynchburg, Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Campbell, Nelson, Pittsylvania (northern part of county) County:
Toll-Free:1-888-528-1041
Statewide:
Toll-Free: 1-800-838-8238
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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.
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The Salvation Army of Lynchburg operates an overnight only emergency shelter.
For shelter hours and bed availability, please contact 434-845-5939 or stop by 2215 Park Avenue, Lynchburg VA 24501.
*hours of operation are subject to change based on weather
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Understanding the notice you received from your landlord is very important. Only a judge can evict you from a property.
Please visit this website 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
Legal Line: 1-866-534-5243
Local Lynchburg Office: 434-846-1326
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