Community Housing Resource Center

The Community Housing Resource Center exists to prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless and to rapidly re-house those who are already homeless. The Center provides essential homeless assistance and prevention services to those individuals and families living in the Blue Ridge Continuum of Care service area.

Types of Assistance

Homelessness Prevention (At-Risk of Homelessness)

The CHRC has several different programs that offer assistance for individuals and families that are in danger of becoming homeless. In order to help those most at-risk of losing their housing, the CHRC coordinates referrals through Central Intake to ensure these resources are reaching households most at risk of experiencing homelessness. The homeless prevention programs require a referral from Central Intake. 

Documents need for screening for Prevention Assistance: 

  • Social Security Cards (Household)
  • ID for household members 18+
  • Intent to rent form
  • Lease with signatures (Client’s name must be on lease)
  • Pay stubs or benefit statement
  • Current bank account balance (printed)
  • Court documents
  • Proof of eviction if doubled up
  • Documentation of rent and utilities owed (client’s name must be on bills).

Program participants must meet the HUD definition of “at-risk” status of becoming homeless (see CHRC staff member for clarification of “at-risk” status). Participants must have no other existing sources of support, financial resources, or other appropriate housing options. If you are eligible for Prevention services, you may receive both financial assistance and housing stability case management services at the same time. You may decline to receive services, but you may no longer receive financial assistance at any point you decline case management services.  Our goal is not just to provide you with temporary financial assistance to maintain your housing, but to help you look for the best ways to create a stable housing situation for the long term.

IMPORTANT: A referral does not guarantee financial assistance. At any point in the referral and intake process, information regarding your income, housing status, additional resources, etc. that is provided or discovered could mean you are not eligible for Prevention assistance. We have to adhere to our grant guidelines for eligibility.

Rapid Re-Housing (Experiencing Homelessness)

The CHRC has funding for individuals and families that are literally homeless and have limited resources to obtain housing on their own. The CHRC offers short-term financial assistance and connection to services to assist clients in achieving stability quickly. This program is known as rapid re-housing (RRH).

Referrals for RRH services must come from an emergency shelter or street outreach program staff.  At the time of referral, potential RRH clients must meet the HUD definition of homeless which includes living in an emergency shelter, sleeping in a place not meant for human habitation (Ie. streets, your car, abandoned buildings, etc.), or fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence.

Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)

The CHRC offers short-term rental and/or utility assistance to those who have at least one member of the household living with HIV/AIDS and have experienced an emergency that has caused them to be unable to meet their expenses.

Who May Qualify for Assistance?

In order to receive financial assistance or services through the CHRC, individuals and families – whether homeless or housed – must at least meet the following minimum requirements:

  • The household must reside in the Blue Ridge Continuum of Care service area. The CoC service area covers the counties of Alleghany, Botetourt, Craig, Roanoke and the cities of Covington, Roanoke, and Salem.
  • The household must be: Homeless or at risk of losing its housing.
  • No appropriate housing options have been identified
  • The household lacks the financial resources and support networks needed to obtain immediate housing or remain in its existing housing.
  • The household must meet income requirements (income limits vary by program).

Any individual or family provided services through the CHRC must have an initial consultation with a case manager or other authorized representative who can determine the appropriate type of assistance to meet their needs.

NOTE: The CHRC does not have access to temporary or transitional housing.  If you need emergency housing, please contact one of our local shelters. 

Contact Information:
(540) 266-7551
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 8:15 AM – 4:30 PM
Appointments required.