Community Homeless Information Line (CHIA)

What is CHIA?

CHIA is a dedicated phone line offering information and resources to those experiencing or facing homelessness. 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.


Hours & Contact Information:

CHIA is available Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm unless otherwise specified. You can reach CHIA by calling or texting 434-427-2442. Please note: 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!

How can CHIA Help?

  1. CHIA will ask you a series of questions to ensure your safety and learn more about your specific housing concerns/needs.

  2. CHIA will offer information and resources that best fit your specific housing situation/needs. This looks like offering the next best community resource, or referrals to Emergency Shelter, Homeless Prevention, and Street Outreach (if eligible).

  3. Housing situations can change day to day. CHIA is always happy to revisit the conversation/resources as needed.

 

Additional Resources

  • 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.

  • The Salvation Army of Lynchburg has activated their overnight Warming Shelter, located in their Center of Hope building, at 2215 Park Avenue, Lynchburg VA 24501.

    Shelter Hours

    • The warming shelter will be open every night from December 1st to March 31st.

    LOW-BARRIER: ALL ARE WELCOME

    Shelter Schedule:

    Hot Dinner: served every night, begins at 4:30pm

    Shelter Intakes: begins at 6:00pm

    Guests are Dismissed: 8:00am*

    *subject to change based on weather

  • 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

  • 211 Virginia is a free, confidential, and accessible service that 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.