Shelters and Resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness:

Shelter Diversion and Targeted Prevention

Efforts to divert/prevent homelessness before it occurs are anchored in two programs:

  • Shelter Diversion is a strategy that helps people experiencing a housing crisis quickly identify and access safe alternatives to emergency shelter through creative problem-solving conversations, connecting with community resources and family supports, housing search and placement, and flexible financial assistance.
  • Targeted Prevention services are provided by the Department of Human Services in the Clinical Coordination Program (CCP). It provides short-term housing stabilization services (financial assistance and case management) to households to those at imminent risk of losing housing. Arlington Thrive provides same-day emergency financial assistance to Arlington residents facing a financial crises that could lead to eviction.

Shelters

Five Arlington County emergency shelters provide a safe environment for single adults and families who are Arlington residents experiencing homelessness. Access to all shelters except the Domestic Violence Safehouse is facilitated through the Centralized Access System (CAS) within the Clinical Coordination Unit (CCU) at DHS – 2100 Washington Blvd 1st Fl. In case of shelter need during non-business hours, households should call 703-228-1010 for assistance.

Domestic Violence Shelters and Services

Doorways provides shelter for adults, youth, and children seeking housing from domestic violence and sexual assault. Services at Doorways include counseling, court advocacy, employment support, and other programs. 

Rapid Re-Housing

Rapid Re-Housing programs provide short-term rental assistance and services to help people who are experiencing homelessness (residing in emergency shelter or sleeping in places not meant for human habitation) obtain and maintain housing quickly.

Transitional Housing

Transitional housing programs provide housing and services to help Arlington families and individuals with greater lengths of support while working to attain permanent housing. 

  • Independence House transitional housing for individuals recovering from substance abuse (National Capital Treatment & Recovery, formerly Phoenix Houses of the Mid-Atlantic)
  • HomeStretch Family Transitional Housing provides housing to families with children under the age of 18 that are experiencing homelessness.

Permanent Supportive Housing

Permanent supportive housing programs provide long-term rental assistance and supportive services for households who are experiencing homeless and have family members living with a disabling condition.


Homelessness

If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness or is at risk of experiencing homelessness, please visit the Homeless Services main page.

Learn About Arlington's Response

Arlington County has a core network of interconnected programs and services (called a Continuum of Care, or CoC) to assist people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness. To find out more, visit Arlington County Efforts to Address Homelessness.

Learn more about our CoC Governance here.

Resources for Partners

More resources for providers can be found here.

Contact Us

Economic Independence Division
2100 Washington Blvd. Arlington, VA 22204
703-228-1350
703-228-1788 TTY 
dhs@arlingtonva.us

 

Manage Your Benefits Online!

You can check your eligibility, apply for public assistance programs, and manage your account online through Virginia CommonHelp. Click here to learn what documentation and information you will need when you apply.
 

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