The Haven

Mission:
The Haven is dedicated to ending homelessness in the greater Charlottesville community by providing a welcoming and safe environment for individuals and families experiencing housing instability. The organization is motivated by a philosophy of radical hospitality, striving to be the primary point of entry for those seeking stable housing, regardless of their circumstances.

Day Shelter Services

• Open Access: The Haven offers a day shelter that is open to anyone in need, providing a safe and supportive space.
• Basic Needs: Services include breakfast, access to showers, laundry facilities, storage bins, computers, and a mailing address for guests.
• Emergency Assistance: The organization provides emergency support such as clothing, shoes, bicycles, and eyeglass vouchers.
• Referrals: Guests can receive referrals for jobs, mental health resources, benefits counseling, ID replacement, and medical clinics, as well as connections to other local emergency assistance programs.

Housing Assistance Programs

• Housing First Approach: The Haven operates three main housing support programs: Homeless Prevention, the Laura DeLapp Haven Housing Fund, and Rapid Re-housing. These programs are designed to help individuals and families move quickly into stable housing and prevent returns to homelessness.
• Eligibility: To qualify for housing support, individuals must be literally homeless (living on the street, in an emergency shelter, in a vehicle, or another place not intended for habitation), within 14 days of losing their rental unit with a lease or new lease prospect, or doubled up with friends/living in a motel with a lease prospect.
• Screening: Interested individuals must call the Homeless Information Line to be screened for eligibility and to access housing support services.

Collaboration and Community

• The Haven works closely with other agencies and programs to connect guests to a broad range of resources needed to stabilize their lives.
• The organization is supported by trained staff and dedicated community volunteers who work together to make homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring.

Service Area and Accessibility

• The Haven serves the greater Charlottesville area and is accessible to residents from surrounding counties, including Louisa County, who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their housing.

Additional Information

• Lunch is served within The Haven on Fridays and Sundays, while on other days, lunch is available at neighboring soup kitchens.
• The organization provides a point of entry for those seeking overnight emergency shelter through referrals to partner agencies.