Understanding the Homeless Information Line—CHIA:

CHIA is a housing assistance phone line that helps people experiencing a housing crisis connect with resources, services, and support.

Contact Information/Hours:

Call CHIA at 434-427-2442*, Monday through Friday, to speak with a specialist. If we're unable to answer, please leave a voicemail with your name and contact information so we can return your call.

Working with CHIA:

Prompt:

  • CHIA is staffed during business hours to help callers navigate housing crises. When you call, you'll either reach the line directly or receive a prompt callback.

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 helps you explore your options and identify the resources that best fit your situation. This may include information about rental assistance, tenant rights, the Virginia eviction process, community services, or referrals to emergency programs such as shelter. You decide which option is the best next step for you and your household.

    After your call, CHIA can send the information directly to you by text or email, making it easy to access the resources you need without sorting through lengthy lists or complicated packets.

*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 can help connect you to housing resources and support, but it is not an emergency service. If you are experiencing a medical, mental health, or safety emergency, contact 911, go to the nearest emergency room, or call a 24/7 crisis line. Hotlines and emergency numbers are below:

  • For women and women with children actively fleeing intimate partner violence (domestic violence):

    Bedford County:

    City of Lynchburg and the four surrounding counties: Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Campbell:

    Commonwealth Hotline:

  • 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