As Winter Storm Kingston brings below-freezing temperatures and snow to the Hampton Roads area, it’s crucial for individuals experiencing homelessness to know where they can find emergency shelter and support. Several organizations in the region offer services to ensure everyone’s safety during harsh winter conditions.
Regional Housing Crisis Hotline
The Regional Housing Crisis Hotline serves as a central point of contact for those facing a housing crisis throughout Greater Hampton Roads. By calling the hotline, individuals can receive referrals to appropriate shelters, case management, and related services.
- Phone: (757) 587-4202
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
PORT Emergency Winter Shelter
Operated by LINK of Hampton Roads, the PORT (People Offering Resources Together) Emergency Winter Shelter provides shelter, dinner, and breakfast during the coldest months. The shelter rotates weekly among different churches in the area from November through March.
- Location: Rotating church sites
- Details: No referral needed. Shelter operates from 7 PM to 7 AM. Guests are provided with meals and a safe place to sleep but must carry their belongings during the day.
- Contact: LINK of Hampton Roads
10413 Warwick Blvd.
Newport News VA 23601757-595-1953
Email
https://www.linkhr.org/port-shelter
A Night’s Welcome
Coordinated by HELP, Inc., “A Night’s Welcome” is a nightly winter shelter program that collaborates with over 30 area churches to provide a warm and safe environment. The shelter operates from November through March, offering two hot meals and a place to sleep.
- Location: Rotating church sites
- Guest Arrival: 6 PM – 9 PM; dinner served at 6:30 PM
- Contact: (757) 723-2242
- Details: Guests are provided with meals and shelter but must leave during daytime hours.https://helphampton.org/anightswelcome/
Chesapeake Area Shelter Team (C.A.S.T.)
Chesapeake Area Shelter Team is a community of faith-based organizations, who come together to provide Emergency Overnight Winter Shelter for people experiencing homelessness in the city of Chesapeake in church buildings and occasionally at the Chesapeake Cares Resource Center.
Each scheduled week of CAST, there is one church location for homeless guests to receive shelter, meals, resources and fellowship. The Chesapeake Cares Resource Center is an intake site (off-site from church) where guests are cleared for the CAST program then transported by a CAST-arranged bus. Homeless in their own cars are also welcomed to the intake process and follow the bus to the host church. Police presence ensures a safe environment. Rules include no drinking, no drugs, no sex offenders (database checked).
Contact C.A.S.T. for more information on how to become a volunteer or a host church or organizations. Volunteer bus drivers with a CDL P are especially needed.
- Phone: 757-321-9353
- Email: sam.cast@abbalist.org
- Website: cast.abbalist.org/
Virginia Beach Housing Resource Center
The Virginia Beach Housing Resource Center is a comprehensive facility offering shelter, housing, health services, dining, and supportive resources for families and individuals experiencing homelessness or a housing crisis.
- Location: 104 N. Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, VA
- Contact: (757) 385-5167
- Details: Services include emergency shelter, housing assistance, health center access, and more. citeturn0search1
Union Mission Ministries
Union Mission Ministries offers emergency shelter and life-saving programs, providing a safe haven, hot meals, clean clothing, and job- and life-skills training to men, women, and children in need.
- Contact: (757) 627-8686
- Details: Call to check shelter availability and services.
Samaritan House
Samaritan House provides emergency and permanent housing solutions for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their homes.
- Contact: (757) 587-4202 (Regional Housing Crisis Hotline)
- Details: Hotline staff will assess your situation and connect you with appropriate services.
Salvation Army Men’s Hope Center
The men’s Emergency Shelter and Soup Kitchen provides food, shelter, resources, and prayer for hundreds of struggling men in the Hampton Roads area. The men’s shelter is open 365 nights a year and offers 14 weekly soup kitchens.
- Location – 203 West 19th Street, Norfolk, VA
During severe winter weather, it’s essential to seek shelter promptly to protect yourself from the dangers of cold exposure. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please reach out to these resources to find the support necessary to stay safe and warm.
Additionally, during extreme cold or heat, many libraries and community center lobbies are open to the public as warming or cooling centers. These facilities provide a safe space for residents to escape severe weather conditions. For the latest updates and locations, it’s advisable to monitor local news outlets or contact the city’s 311 call center.
Please note that availability and operating hours of these shelters may vary, especially during severe weather events. It’s recommended to contact the organizations directly or visit their websites for the most current information.
