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. A hot shower, clean clothes and a few basics can make a hard day feel a lot better. There are places in Virginia that help with all of it.
Dial 211 and ask for showers, laundry or clothing near you. In Richmond, Daily Planet Health Services is a good place to ask about care.
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.
Dial 211 and ask for showers or laundry near you. Day centers, shelters and some churches offer them.
In the Richmond area, the Homeless Connection Line can tell you about shelters and day services. Ask what they offer when you call.
Sources: https://211virginia.org/ https://homewardva.org/get-help/
Your first steps, in order
- Dial 211 and ask for showers, laundry or clothes near you.
- Call ahead to check hours.
- Bring a small bag for your things.
- Ask each place what else they offer, like meals or mail.
Where can I get clothes?
Clothing closets, churches and thrift stores often help. Some shelters keep clothes on hand.
If you need clothes for a job interview, ask Virginia Career Works or a job program near you. Ask 211 which places are open this week.
What to say when you call
"Hi. Do you have showers or laundry I can use?"
"What hours are you open, and do I need to bring anything?"
"Do you have clothes, or know someone who does?"
How do I stay safe in the heat and the cold?
Virginia summers are hot and humid. Drink water often, rest in the shade, and look for a library or cooling center on the hottest days.
In winter, nights can get cold, especially in the mountains and in Northern Virginia. Layers, a hat and dry socks help a lot.
- Wear light, loose clothes in the heat.
- Know the signs of heat illness, like dizziness, cramps or a headache.
- On cold nights, ask 211 about warming centers.
Cool down early
If you start to feel dizzy or sick in the heat, get to a cool place and drink water. Call 911 if you feel very sick.
What about hygiene supplies?
Many pantries, shelters and day centers have hygiene items like soap, toothpaste and period products. Ask when you call.
SNAP can't be used for these items, but TANF cash help may help families who qualify with basic needs.
Handy things to keep with you
Having a place to get mail helps with benefits, jobs and ID. Ask a shelter, day center or church if they accept mail for you.
You may also be able to use General Delivery at a post office. Ask the post office near you.
- Keep your papers in a zip bag.
- Take photos of important papers.
- Ask day centers if they have lockers or storage.
Small comforts count
A shower and clean socks can change your whole day. You deserve that.
Some pantries and family programs have diapers, wipes and period products. WIC helps with food for moms and kids.
Dial 211 and ask about diaper banks near you.
How do I take care of my feet and skin?
Your feet carry you everywhere. Keep them dry, change socks often, and let your shoes air out.
Use sunscreen in the summer. If you have a sore that won't heal, see a clinic like Daily Planet Health Services in Richmond.
Say you have a job interview in Manassas next week
You could dial 211 to find a shower and a clothing closet. You could call Virginia Career Works to ask about interview clothes and help with your resume. Then you'd walk in feeling ready.
How do I find laundry and showers in Virginia?
Many day centers, shelters and churches in Virginia offer showers and laundry. Some have set days or ask you to sign up.
Dial 211 or search online to find places near you, and call ahead to check hours.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://211virginia.org/
What to ask when you call
"Do you have showers or laundry I can use?"
"What days and times?"
"Do I need to sign up, or bring anything?"
"Do you have towels, soap or detergent, or should I bring my own?"
Pack a shower kit
How can I do laundry for less?
Laundromats add up fast. A few tips can help your clothes, and your money, last longer.
- Wash full loads, but don't overfill the machine.
- Use cold water. It works for most clothes.
- Hang clothes to dry when you can, to save dryer time.
- Ask your day center or shelter about laundry days or detergent.
- Wash socks and underwear in a sink with a little soap between loads.
Say you're staying in your car in Harrisonburg
You could dial 211 to ask about a day center with showers. You could plan a laundry day each week at a laundromat. You could keep a small bag of clean clothes in the car, so you always have something fresh.
You deserve to feel fresh
A hot shower and clean clothes can change how a whole day feels. Ask for them without shame.
Questions people ask a lot
Do I have to be homeless to get clothes?
No. Many clothing closets help anyone in need.
Is there a cost for showers?
Many day centers and shelters offer showers at no cost. Ask when you call.
What if I need work boots or a uniform?
Ask Virginia Career Works or your job program. Some help with work costs.
Can I get diapers?
Some pantries and diaper banks have them. Dial 211.
Where can I charge my phone?
Libraries and day centers often have outlets.
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.
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
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
Virginia WIC
What it offers Healthy food, nutrition help and breastfeeding support for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or recently had a baby, and for children under 5, in families who qualify.
How to reach Visit your local health department, or start at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/wic/
Source https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/wic/
Last checked October 22, 2026
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
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (Virginia)
What it offers Talk to someone right away if you or someone you know is in a mental health or substance use crisis. Open 24/7 for calls, texts and chat. In Virginia, 988 can also connect you to your local community services board.
How to reach Call or text 988, or chat at https://988lifeline.org/
Source https://988lifeline.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Greater Richmond
Here are some places to start.
Greater Richmond Homeless Connection Line (Homeward)
What it offers The front door to shelter and homeless help for the City of Richmond and nearby counties. Call if you are homeless now or about to lose your place.
How to reach Call 804.972.0813.
Source https://homewardva.org/get-help/
Last checked October 22, 2026
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
Daily Planet Health Services
What it offers Health care in Richmond, including for people who are homeless, with medical, dental and behavioral health care.
How to reach Call 804.783.2505.
Source https://www.dailyplanetva.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
FeedMore
What it offers The food bank for Central Virginia, serving the Richmond area through partner pantries, meal programs and mobile food sites. Use its finder to get food near you.
How to reach Find food at https://feedmore.org/get-help/
Source https://feedmore.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 Office to Prevent and End Homelessness
What it offers Fairfax County's homeless response, with shelter, outreach and housing programs.
How to reach Call 703.246.5000, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. TTY 711.
Source https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/homeless/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Capital Area Food Bank
What it offers A food bank serving Northern Virginia and the DC area through partner pantries and food sites. Use its map to find food near you.
How to reach Find food at https://www.capitalareafoodbank.org/
Source https://www.capitalareafoodbank.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for City of Alexandria residents.
How to reach Call 703.746.5700, or text 703.346.5599.
Source https://www.alexandriava.gov/DCHS
Last checked October 22, 2026
Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board
What it offers Mental health and substance use care in Fairfax County and nearby cities, with 24/7 emergency help.
How to reach Emergency: call 703.573.5679 (TTY 711). Non emergency: call 703.383.8500.
Source https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Hampton Roads and other areas
Every Virginia city and county has a local department of social services. If you don't live in the Richmond area or Northern Virginia, start with yours. Here are a few, plus help in Hampton Roads. Find any local office at https://www.dss.virginia.gov/localagency/ or dial 211.
Norfolk Department of Human Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for Norfolk residents.
How to reach Call 757.664.6000.
Source https://www.norfolk.gov/295/Human-Services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Virginia Beach Department of Human Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for Virginia Beach residents.
How to reach Call the customer call center at 757.385.4306.
Source https://hs.virginiabeach.gov/financial-assistance
Last checked October 22, 2026
Chesapeake Department of Human Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for Chesapeake residents.
How to reach Call 757.382.2000.
Source https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/358/Chesapeake-Social-Services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Lynchburg Department of Human Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for Lynchburg residents.
How to reach Call 434.455.5850.
Source https://www.lynchburgva.gov/social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Samaritan House (Virginia Beach)
What it offers Shelter and support in Hampton Roads for people affected by domestic violence, sexual violence or homelessness.
How to reach 24/7 hotline: call 757.430.2120. Office: 757.631.0710.
Source https://www.samaritanhouseva.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia
What it offers Civil legal help for people who qualify in Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore.
How to reach Call the Community Support Team at 757.827.5078.
Source https://www.laseva.org/
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 plan for this week
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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