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. If you're young and things are hard right now, whether you left home, aged out of foster care, or just need a hand, you're not alone. There are people in Virginia who want to help.
Dial 211, or call one of the youth programs in this guide. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.
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 say how old you are. There are shelters and programs just for young people.
You can also call 1-800-RUNAWAY, the National Runaway Safeline, any time. They help young people find shelter and make a plan. In the Richmond area, the Homeless Connection Line can help young adults find shelter. In Fairfax County, Coordinated Services Planning can help too.
Sources: https://www.1800runaway.org/ https://homewardva.org/get-help/
Your first steps, in order
- If you're in danger, call 911.
- Dial 211, or call a youth program in this guide.
- Tell them how old you are and where you are.
- Apply for food and health coverage on CommonHelp.
- Write down every name and number.
Who can I talk to?
988 is open 24/7 for calls, texts and chat. It's okay to reach out, even if you're not sure it's a crisis.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://988lifeline.org/
What to say when you call
"Hi. I'm (age) and I need a safe place to stay."
"I'm in (town or county)."
"Can you help me, or tell me who can?"
Can I keep going to school?
Yes. Students who are homeless can usually stay in their school, even if they move.
Every school district has someone who helps students who are homeless. Ask your school counselor who that is.
Ask at school
Your school counselor can help with meals, supplies and more. You don't have to explain everything.
Can I get help finding a job?
Virginia Career Works offers job help for young people in many areas. Ask about youth programs at your nearest office.
What if I aged out of foster care?
Virginia has support for young people who were in foster care, including help with school, housing and life skills. Ask your local department of social services about independent living services.
Questions about who qualifies? Check the official page below.
Things to keep safe
Young people may qualify for Medicaid. Apply on CommonHelp.
Daily Planet Health Services in Richmond offers health care, including for young people who are homeless.
Say you're 19 and just left a bad situation in Fredericksburg
You could dial 211 and ask about shelter for young adults. You could call 1-800-RUNAWAY to talk through your options. You could apply for SNAP and Medicaid on CommonHelp, and visit a Virginia Career Works office for job help.
Can I get help staying in school?
If you don't have a stable place to live, your school can help you keep going. Every Virginia school division has a homeless liaison, a person whose job is to help students in housing trouble with things like enrollment, rides and school supplies.
Ask your school counselor or front office to connect you. Project HOPE Virginia supports this work across the state.
Questions about what help your school can give? Check the official page below.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://education.wm.edu/centers/hope/
What you might say at school
"I don't have a steady place to stay right now."
"Can I talk with the homeless liaison?"
"I want to keep coming to school. What help is there?"
Things to ask your school about
What should I know if I'm aging out of foster care?
Turning 18 in foster care is a big step, and you don't have to figure it out alone. Virginia has programs to help young people who were in foster care with housing, school, jobs and life skills.
Ask your social worker or your local department of social services about independent living help. Great Expectations at Virginia's community colleges helps young people from foster care go to college.
Questions about who qualifies? Check the official pages below.
Sources: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/family/fc/independent.cgi https://greatexpectations.vccs.edu/
Before you leave care, try to have
Say you're turning 18 in Richmond next spring
You could ask your social worker about independent living help now, not later. You could ask for copies of your papers. You could look into Great Expectations at a nearby community college. Planning early gives you more choices.
Questions people ask a lot
Will they call my parents?
Ask the program how they handle that. Many work hard to keep you safe.
Can I get food stamps on my own?
You may qualify. Apply on CommonHelp.
What if I'm pregnant?
Ask your local health department about WIC, and ask about Medicaid.
What if I'm LGBTQ?
You deserve a safe place. Ask 211 or a youth program about welcoming places.
Is there a cost?
Most youth shelters don't charge. Ask when you call.
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.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
National Runaway Safeline
What it offers Private, no cost, nonjudgmental support 24/7 for young people in crisis and the adults who care about them. Staff listen, help you look at options and connect you to local help. Its Home No cost program can give young people ages 12 to 21 a no cost ride to a confirmed safe adult or safe place.
How to reach Call or text 800.786.2929. Chat at https://www.1800runaway.org/
Source https://www.1800runaway.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
love is respect (National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline)
What it offers Support for young people dealing with abuse in a relationship, or anyone with questions about healthy relationships.
How to reach Call 866.331.9474. Online: https://www.loveisrespect.org/
Source https://www.thehotline.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
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
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
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
Cover Virginia (Medicaid and FAMIS)
What it offers Health coverage for people who qualify, including doctor visits, hospital care and prescriptions. FAMIS covers children and pregnant women in families who qualify.
How to reach Call 855.242.8282 (TTY 888.221.1590), or apply at https://coverva.dmas.virginia.gov/
Source https://coverva.dmas.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
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
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
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
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-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
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
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
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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