What should I do if I am concerned about someone who is homeless in my community?
Where should I send someone to get help or other services?
What should I do if I see someone having a mental health emergency?
How should I respond to requests for spare change?
If I don’t feel comfortable giving someone money, are there other things I can do?
Sources and Other Helpful Links
What is homelessness?
Homelessness is when an individual or family lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate residence and might be living in emergency shelters, transitional housing, or places not meant for habitation.
What causes homelessness?
Homelessness is caused by the lack of safe and stable housing. For more information, visit the National Alliance to End Homelessness website.
Who experiences homelessness?
Anyone can experience homelessness, but it most often affects persons facing challenges with their finances, physical/mental health, and personal wellbeing. For more information, visit the National Alliance to End Homelessness website.
What should I do if I am concerned about someone who is homeless in my community?
You can call the Homeless Information Line at 434-207-2328 to share the facts of the situation (who, what, when, where) and ask them to connect with this person.
Where should I send someone to get help or other services?
They can call the Homeless Information Line at 434-207-2328, or visit The Haven in person (112 W Market St from 7 AM to 5 PM).
What should I do if I see someone having a mental health emergency?
If the person appears to be a danger to themselves or others, call 911. Otherwise, you can call the non-emergency line at 434-970-3240 and request a mental health triage/Crisis Intervention Team staff to come and assess the situation.
How should I respond to requests for spare change?
This is up to you and what you are comfortable with. You could offer spare change, a snack, or even just a smile and kind word. Another option would be to refer them to The Haven or Salvation Army.
If I don’t feel comfortable giving someone money, are there other things I can do?
You can wave or say hello, or introduce yourself and have a brief conversation. A friendly gesture can go on a long way. You could also refer them to local homeless services, including calling the Homeless Information Line at 434-207-2328, or visiting The Haven in person (112 W Market St from 7 AM to 5 PM). You could offer a hat or gloves if it’s cold, or water and a snack.
How can I volunteer to help?
Volunteers are always needed at The Haven for help in the kitchen and at the front desk. TJACH also requests volunteers for their annual PIT count in January. You can find more information here.
Sources and Other Helpful Links
https://endhomelessness.org/
https://hudexchange.info/
https://www.pathwayshousingfirst.org/
Blue Ridge Area Coalition for the Homeless 