COMMUNITY HOMELESS INFORMATION LINE (CHIA)

What is CHIA?

CHIA is a phone line for community members who are already unhoused or worried they will become unhoused in the next two weeks. CHIA covers 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 operates a triage process. We are here to connect callers to the best next resource for their situation. CHIA does not offer financial assistance or operate a shelter/housing program, but, can connect callers to places that do offer these things!

How does it work?

  1. CHIA will ask the caller a series of questions to ensure their safety and learn more about their specific housing situation.

  2. 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).

  3. 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

  • The Salvation Army of Lynchburg

    2215 Park Avenue, Lynchburg VA 24501

    • 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

    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.

  • 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.