Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Hi friend. Looking for work can be tiring, especially when money is tight. You don't have to do it alone. Virginia has job help in every corner of the state.
Start with Virginia Career Works or a Virginia Employment Commission career center for job leads and training. If you lost your job, you can file for unemployment online.
A few things to know
- You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
- Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise a bed, money or a spot in any program.
- Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.
Virginia Career Works is the state's network of local job centers. Staff help with job searches, career coaching and training for people who qualify.
Virginia Works, the state's workforce agency, lists job openings and training programs too.
Sources: https://www.virginiacareerworks.com/ https://virginiaworks.gov/
Your first steps, in order
- Find your nearest Virginia Career Works center.
- If you lost your job, file for unemployment with the Virginia Employment Commission.
- Make or update your resume.
- Apply for SNAP on CommonHelp while you look.
- Write down every job you apply for.
What if I just lost my job?
You may be able to get unemployment benefits. They give weekly payments to people who lost work through no fault of their own and who qualify.
File and request your payments online with the Virginia Employment Commission, or call its customer contact center at 866.832.2363. Questions about who qualifies? Check the official page below.
Sources: https://www.vec.virginia.gov/
What to say at a job center
"Hi. I'm looking for work in (kind of job)."
"Can someone help me with my resume?"
"Are there training programs I might qualify for?"
Can I get training for a better job?
Yes, maybe. Virginia Career Works can tell you about training programs that may help pay for classes in jobs that are in demand.
Community colleges and adult education programs also offer classes. Ask what you might qualify for.
Ask about support costs
Some programs help with things like bus fare, work clothes or tools. It doesn't hurt to ask.
What if I have a record?
Many employers hire people with a record. Be honest and focus on what you've learned and what you can do.
Legal aid may be able to tell you about clearing parts of your record. Questions about that? Check the official page below.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.valegalaid.org/
A resume is a short list of your work, skills and training. Keep it to one page if you can.
Job centers can help you write one.
What to put on a resume
How do I get ready for an interview?
Practice answers to common questions with a friend. Plan how you'll get there and arrive a little early.
Bring a copy of your resume.
Say you're starting over in Lynchburg
You could visit a Virginia Career Works office to ask about job leads and training. You could apply for SNAP on CommonHelp while you look. If your power bill is due, you could ask about energy help on CommonHelp.
Job searching takes time. Set small goals, like three applications a day.
Take breaks. Celebrate each step.
Every no gets you closer
Each application is practice. Keep going, friend.
What if I need child care to work?
Child care can make it possible to take a job or a class. Virginia's Child Care Subsidy Program helps families who qualify pay for child care.
You can apply on CommonHelp or with your local department of social services. Questions about who qualifies? Check the official page below.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://commonhelp.virginia.gov/
Things that can help you get to work
What if I need help getting to work?
Ask your Virginia Career Works office or a career center about help with travel to work or training. Some programs help with bus passes or work gear.
Dial 211 to find help near you.
Say you got a job offer in Newport News but have no ride
You could ask your career center about help with travel. You could check the bus routes near you. You could ask a coworker about sharing a ride.
Ask before you start
Some programs can only help before your first day. Ask early.
How do I keep a new job?
Show up on time, and call ahead if you'll be late or sick. Ask questions when you're not sure.
Keep your schedule written down. If something at home makes work hard, ask your case manager or dial 211 about help.
What you might say to a new boss
"Thanks for this chance. Who should I ask if I have questions?"
"I want to do this right. Can you show me one more time?"
Your first week
You've got this
Every day you show up is a win.
Where can I find work clothes?
Some programs give out work clothes and shoes at no cost for interviews and new jobs. Ask your career center, a local shelter, or dial 211.
Guide 5 has more places to find clothing.
Say you have an interview in Norfolk next week
You could ask your career center about interview clothes. You could practice answers with a friend. You could plan your ride the day before.
Small steps add up
One application a day is real progress.
Questions people ask a lot
Is there a cost for job center help?
Job search help at Virginia Career Works centers is offered at no cost.
Can I get unemployment if I quit?
It depends. Questions about who qualifies? Check the official page below.
What if I don't have a computer?
Libraries and job centers have computers you can use.
Can I get help with child care?
Ask social services about child care help on CommonHelp.
What if I have a disability?
Ask your job center about vocational rehabilitation services for people with disabilities.
How do I make the most of each call?
Calling for help can feel like a lot. A little planning makes each call easier, and you'll get further, faster.
- Call early in the day if you can. It leaves time to follow up the same day.
- Have a pen, paper and your papers close by before you call.
- Say what you need in one or two sentences first. Then answer their questions.
- Ask, "Is there anything else I should apply for?" One call can open more doors.
- Before you hang up, ask who you talked to and what happens next.
- Write it all down in your call log at the back of this guide.
If you get put on hold or cut off
"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."
"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"
"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"
Keep going, friend
If one place can't help, ask them who can. Each call gets you closer.
What if I'm told no, or put on a waitlist?
A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space, and things change from week to week.
- Ask why. Knowing the reason helps you know what to try next.
- Ask, "Who else could help with this?" Write down every name and number they share.
- If you're on a waitlist, ask how long it usually takes and how you'll hear from them. Ask how often you should check in.
- Keep your phone number and address up to date with every program, so you don't miss a call or letter.
- If a state agency turns you down, read the letter right away. It explains how to ask for a review. Call legal aid if you want help.
- Dial 211, or search 211virginia.org any time, to look for other options near you.
Keep your papers safe
You're doing great
Asking for help, and asking again, takes strength. I'm cheering you on every step of the way.
Here is help that works across Virginia, then local help in the Richmond area and in Northern Virginia, then help for Hampton Roads and other areas. Call ahead for hours.
Virginia
Here are some places to start.
Virginia Career Works
What it offers Virginia's network of local job centers. Job search help, career coaching and training for people who qualify, at centers across the state.
How to reach Find a center at https://www.virginiacareerworks.com/ or dial 211.
Source https://www.virginiacareerworks.com/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Virginia Employment Commission (VEC): unemployment
What it offers Weekly payments for people who lost work through no fault of their own and qualify. File a claim and request payments online.
How to reach Call the customer contact center at 866.832.2363, or start at https://www.vec.virginia.gov/
Source https://www.vec.virginia.gov/
Last checked October 22, 2026
CommonHelp (Virginia benefits portal)
What it offers Virginia's online site to apply for SNAP (food benefits), TANF cash help, Medicaid, child care help and energy help, and to check your case.
How to reach Apply at https://commonhelp.virginia.gov/ Questions: call the Enterprise Call Center at 855.635.4370.
Source https://commonhelp.virginia.gov/
Last checked October 22, 2026
211 Virginia
What it offers A help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more, anywhere in Virginia.
How to reach Dial 211, or search any time at https://211virginia.org/
Source https://211virginia.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Greater Richmond
Here are some places to start.
City of Richmond Department of Social Services
What it offers Applications for SNAP, TANF, Medicaid and energy help for Richmond residents, plus emergency help and referrals.
How to reach Call 804.646.7212.
Source https://www.rva.gov/social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Henrico County Department of Social Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for Henrico County residents.
How to reach Call 804.501.4001.
Source https://henrico.gov/dss/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Department of Social Services
What it offers Benefits, energy help and referrals for Chesterfield County and Colonial Heights residents.
How to reach Call 804.748.1100 for general questions.
Source https://www.chesterfield.gov/569/Social-Services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Greater Richmond Housing Resource Line
What it offers Help for people in the Richmond area who are behind on rent or at risk of losing housing, with links to prevention programs when funds allow.
How to reach Call 804.422.5061.
Source https://homewardva.org/get-help/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Northern Virginia
Here are some places to start.
Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning
What it offers The first call for help with housing, food, financial help and other needs in Fairfax County.
How to reach Call 703.222.0880.
Source https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Fairfax County Department of Family Services
What it offers Benefits, child care help and family services for Fairfax County residents.
How to reach Call 703.324.7500, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm. TTY 711.
Source https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Prince William County Department of Social Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for Prince William County residents.
How to reach Call 703.792.7500 (TTY 711).
Source https://www.pwcva.gov/department/social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Loudoun County Department of Family Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for Loudoun County residents.
How to reach Call 703.777.0353.
Source https://www.loudoun.gov/dfs
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Other areas (job help across Virginia)
Virginia Career Works and the Virginia Employment Commission serve every part of the state. Start with the center closest to you, or dial 211.
Virginia Career Works
What it offers Virginia's network of local job centers. Job search help, career coaching and training for people who qualify, at centers across the state.
How to reach Find a center at https://www.virginiacareerworks.com/ or dial 211.
Source https://www.virginiacareerworks.com/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Virginia Works
What it offers Virginia's workforce agency. Job listings, training programs and links to local job centers.
How to reach Call 804.486.2500, or start at https://virginiaworks.gov/
Source https://virginiaworks.gov/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Virginia Community Action Partnership
What it offers Lists the Community Action Agencies across Virginia. Local agencies may help with emergency needs, job training, Head Start and other programs when funds allow.
How to reach Find your agency at https://vacap.org/ or dial 211.
Source https://vacap.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
My job plan
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
My next steps
Calls I made today
Key numbers to keep
You're doing the right thing
Asking for help is a strong thing to do, my friend. You don't need to have it all figured out before you call. Take it one step at a time, and call again tomorrow if you need to.
About this guide
Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 22, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!
Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
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