Virginia presents a unique homelessness landscape — a state with over 7,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night that spans the high-cost Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington D.C., the coastal Hampton Roads region, the capital city of Richmond, the rural Shenandoah Valley, and some of the most economically distressed communities in Appalachian Southwest Virginia. Emergency hotel and motel voucher programs exist across the state, but resources vary enormously by locality.
This guide from House for Homeless explains how to find and access emergency hotel assistance anywhere in Virginia tonight. For programs in other states see our hotel vouchers for homeless national guide.
Need a hotel voucher in Virginia tonight? Call 211 immediately — Virginia 211 is available 24 hours across the state. Tell the operator your city or county and that you need emergency hotel or motel assistance. Veterans call 877-424-3838.
How Emergency Hotel Vouchers Work in Virginia
Virginia does not have a single statewide hotel voucher program. Emergency hotel and motel assistance is funded and administered locally through:
- City and county social services departments — Virginia has independent cities and counties, each with their own social services
- Community Action Agencies — Virginia’s CAA network serves all localities
- Continuums of Care (CoC) — Virginia has 13 CoC regions
- Nonprofits and faith-based organizations
Virginia’s unique governmental structure — with 95 counties and 38 independent cities — means social services are administered at the city and county level separately. Always specify your city or county when calling 211.
Virginia State Programs Supporting Hotel Assistance
Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS)
VDSS administers emergency assistance programs through local social services offices statewide. The Virginia Homeless Solutions Program (VHSP) distributes state and federal funds to local organizations for emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, and homelessness prevention — including hotel placements.
VDSS contact: 804-726-7000 Website: dss.virginia.gov
Virginia Housing
Virginia Housing (formerly VHDA) administers state housing funds and supports programs that provide emergency housing assistance statewide.
Contact: 804-782-1986 Website: virginiahousing.com
Virginia’s Homeless Solutions Program (VHSP)
VHSP funds are distributed to local CoC-affiliated organizations across Virginia’s 13 CoC regions. These organizations can provide hotel placements when shelter beds are unavailable. Call 211 to find the VHSP-funded organization in your locality.
Who Provides Hotel Vouchers in Virginia by Region
Northern Virginia (Arlington, Fairfax, Alexandria, Loudoun, Prince William)
Northern Virginia is one of the most expensive rental markets in the United States, creating significant homelessness despite relatively low overall rates.
Fairfax County Office to End Homelessness Lead CoC coordinator for the Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, Loudoun, and Prince William CoC — the largest CoC in Virginia.
- Phone: 703-246-5238
- Website: fairfaxcounty.gov/homeless
Lamb Center (Fairfax) Drop-in day center and emergency housing referrals for homeless adults in Fairfax County.
- Phone: 703-385-0390
- Address: 10688 Judicial Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030
Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN) Emergency shelter and housing services for homeless people in Arlington County.
- Phone: 703-525-7177
- Website: a-span.org
Salvation Army National Capital Area (covers Northern Virginia and DC area) Emergency housing assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 703-684-5500
Catholic Charities Diocese of Arlington Emergency assistance including housing help for anyone in need.
- Phone: 703-841-3830
- Website: ccda.net
New Hope Housing (Alexandria) Emergency shelter and housing services in Alexandria.
- Phone: 703-799-2293
- Website: newhopehousing.org
Cornerstones (Reston/Herndon area) Emergency assistance including hotel vouchers for residents of Reston, Herndon, and surrounding areas.
- Phone: 703-787-3766
- Website: cornerstonesva.org
Richmond and Central Virginia
Greater Richmond CoC / HOME (Housing Opportunities Made Equal) Lead CoC coordinator for the Richmond metro area.
- Phone: 804-354-0641
- Website: homeofva.org
Daily Planet Health Services Healthcare and emergency housing assistance for Richmond’s homeless population.
- Phone: 804-783-2505
- Website: dailyplanetva.org
Salvation Army of Richmond Emergency housing assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 804-232-4500
- Address: 2 W Grace St, Richmond, VA 23220
Catholic Diocese of Richmond — Catholic Charities Emergency assistance including housing help.
- Phone: 804-285-5900
- Website: catholiccharitiesrva.org
Caritas (Richmond) Overnight shelter and housing services in Richmond.
- Phone: 804-521-1400
- Website: caritasva.org
Henrico County Social Services Emergency housing assistance for Henrico County residents.
- Phone: 804-501-4001
Chesterfield County Social Services Emergency housing assistance for Chesterfield residents.
- Phone: 804-768-7500
Hampton Roads (Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton)
Hampton Roads CoC / Virginia Beach Department of Housing Coordinates homeless services across the Hampton Roads region.
- Phone: 757-385-5750
LINK (Norfolk) — CoC Lead Leads coordination of homeless services in Norfolk.
- Phone: 757-640-0011
- Website: linkva.org
Salvation Army of Hampton Roads Emergency housing assistance including hotel vouchers across the Hampton Roads region.
- Norfolk: 757-543-8600
- Virginia Beach: 757-497-3600
Judeo-Christian Outreach Center (Virginia Beach) Emergency shelter and housing assistance.
- Phone: 757-422-6381
- Website: jcocvb.org
Union Mission Ministries (Norfolk) Comprehensive homeless services for men in Norfolk.
- Phone: 757-623-9449
- Website: unionmissionnorfolk.org
Transitions (Norfolk) — Women and families Emergency shelter and housing assistance for women and families.
- Phone: 757-625-5688
Newport News Social Services Emergency housing assistance for Newport News residents.
- Phone: 757-926-8700
Roanoke and Southwest Virginia
Roanoke CoC / Blue Ridge Continuum of Care Coordinates homeless services across the Roanoke Valley.
- Phone: 540-982-2765
TRUST House (Roanoke) Emergency shelter and housing services.
- Phone: 540-342-5842
- Website: trusthouse.org
Salvation Army of Roanoke Emergency housing assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 540-343-5415
Total Action for Progress (TAP) Community Action Agency serving Roanoke and Southwest Virginia with emergency housing assistance.
- Phone: 540-982-0353
- Website: tapintohope.org
Charlottesville and Central Piedmont
Charlottesville/Albemarle CoC / Thomas Jefferson Area CoC Coordinates homeless services in the Charlottesville area.
- Phone: 434-977-0041
Haven (Charlottesville) Day shelter and housing services for homeless people in the Charlottesville area.
- Phone: 434-973-1234
- Website: thehavencharlottesville.org
Region Ten Community Services Emergency housing and mental health services.
- Phone: 434-972-1800
Lynchburg and Central Virginia
Miriam’s House (Lynchburg) Emergency shelter and housing for women and children.
- Phone: 434-845-2048
Salvation Army of Lynchburg Emergency assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 434-845-7728
Who Qualifies for Hotel Vouchers in Virginia
| Priority Group | Virginia-Specific Notes |
|---|---|
| People sleeping outside or in vehicles | Highest priority statewide |
| Families with children | Top priority; local social services can authorize emergency hotel |
| Domestic violence survivors | Virginia Sexual and DV Action Alliance: 1-800-838-8238 |
| Veterans | Strong VA resources in Hampton Roads, Richmond, Northern VA, Salem |
| Seniors (60+) | Priority in most local programs |
| People with HIV/AIDS | Fan Free Clinic (Richmond), HOPWA funds in major metros |
| Couples | Hotel placements address gender-separated shelter barriers |
| People with pets | Limited — call 211 specifically; some Virginia programs accommodate pets |
| Rural Southwest Virginia | TAP and faith communities are primary resources |
| Northern Virginia residents | High cost area — programs often overwhelmed; call 211 early |
How to Get a Hotel Voucher in Virginia — Step by Step
Step 1: Call 211 — available 24 hours statewide. Specify your city or county — Virginia’s independent city/county structure means this is essential for accurate referrals.
Step 2: Contact your city or county Department of Social Services directly. Ask for “emergency hotel or motel assistance” or “emergency housing assistance.”
Step 3: Contact your local Salvation Army or Catholic Charities — both maintain emergency funds across Virginia localities.
Step 4: Contact your local Community Action Agency — call 211 to find the CAA in your area.
Step 5: If you are in Northern Virginia, call the Fairfax County Office to End Homelessness at 703-246-5238.
Step 6: If you are in Richmond, call HOME at 804-354-0641 or Caritas at 804-521-1400.
Step 7: If you are a veteran, call 877-424-3838 immediately — do not use general programs first.
What to Do During Your Virginia Hotel Placement
Apply for food assistance immediately: Apply for Virginia SNAP at commonhelp.virginia.gov or call 1-800-552-3431. With zero income you qualify for maximum benefits and expedited 7-day processing. See our guide on how to apply for SNAP when homeless.
Apply for Medicaid: Apply at commonhelp.virginia.gov. Virginia Medicaid covers healthcare, mental health, and substance use treatment.
Enter coordinated entry: Call 211 or your local CoC to enter Virginia’s coordinated entry system — the pathway to rapid rehousing, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing in your region.
Apply for rapid rehousing: Call 211 and ask for rapid rehousing referrals. Virginia’s 13 CoC regions all have active rapid rehousing programs. See our emergency rental assistance guide for another immediate option.
Apply for Section 8: Contact your local Virginia PHA. Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority: 804-780-4200. Northern Virginia has extremely long waitlists — apply to multiple PHAs simultaneously. See our Section 8 guide for the full process. Browse all housing voucher programs for more options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a free hotel voucher for homeless in Virginia?
Call 211 from anywhere in Virginia — available 24 hours. Tell the operator your specific city or county and that you need emergency hotel or motel assistance. In Northern Virginia, call Fairfax County Office to End Homelessness at 703-246-5238. In Richmond, call HOME at 804-354-0641. Your city or county Department of Social Services is also a key resource.
Does Virginia have a statewide hotel voucher program?
No. Virginia does not have a single statewide hotel voucher program. Emergency hotel assistance is funded and administered locally through city and county social services, Community Action Agencies, CoCs, and nonprofits. Virginia’s independent city/county structure means you must specify your exact locality when calling — Fairfax County resources are separate from Fairfax City resources, for example.
Why does Virginia have independent cities?
Virginia is one of only two states where cities are legally independent of any county. This means cities like Richmond, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Alexandria have their own separate social services departments from the surrounding counties. When calling for help, always say your specific city name — not just the surrounding county.
Are there hotel vouchers for homeless families in Virginia?
Yes. Families with children are the top priority across Virginia’s emergency housing programs. City and county social services can sometimes authorize emergency hotel placements for families in crisis. Call 211 and specify that you have children. In Richmond, contact Caritas at 804-521-1400. In Hampton Roads, contact your city social services directly.
Are there hotel vouchers for homeless veterans in Virginia?
Yes — veterans should call 877-424-3838 rather than general 211 lines. Virginia has major VA facilities in Hampton (Hampton VA Medical Center), Richmond (Hunter Holmes McGuire VA), Salem (Salem VA Medical Center), and Washington DC metro area (serving Northern Virginia veterans) with dedicated homeless veteran programs.
Can I get a hotel voucher in Virginia without ID?
Many Virginia programs serve people without identification. Low-barrier programs explicitly accept people without ID. Do not let lack of documents stop you from calling 211. Virginia also has free ID programs — contact your local social services office or call 211 for ID assistance resources.
What if I am homeless in rural Southwest Virginia?
Southwest Virginia is one of the most economically distressed regions in the state with limited formal hotel voucher programs. Total Action for Progress (TAP) is the primary Community Action Agency for Roanoke and Southwest Virginia — call 540-982-0353. Your local Department of Social Services and local churches are also key resources. Call 211 — operators know rural resources that are not publicly listed.
How long do hotel vouchers last in Virginia?
Most Virginia emergency placements last 1–7 nights, with possible extensions while longer-term housing is arranged. Some programs in Northern Virginia and Richmond offer longer placements for families or households with complex needs. Connect with a case manager on Day 1 and apply for rapid rehousing immediately. Browse our emergency shelters guide for shelter options near you.