Housing Assistance Resources in Virginia

Last updated September 26, 2026

Virginia residents facing housing instability — whether dealing with an eviction notice, unaffordable rent, homelessness, or unsafe living conditions — have access to a range of federal and state-supported programs. The fastest way to find what's available in your specific county or city is to call or text 2-1-1 Virginia, a free, confidential helpline that connects callers to local rental assistance, shelter, utility help, and more.

Many housing programs in Virginia are administered at the local level through community action agencies, nonprofit housing counselors approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Continuums of Care that coordinate homeless services region by region. Because eligibility rules and available funding vary widely by locality, connecting with a local navigator — through 2-1-1 or your local Department of Social Services — is often the most reliable first step.

If your housing crisis involves domestic violence, immigration status, a disability, or veteran status, specialized programs exist that may offer faster or more tailored help. Virginia's network of Area Agencies on Aging can also assist older adults and people with disabilities facing housing challenges. The resources below are a starting point — not an exhaustive list — and a social worker or case manager can help you identify the best fit for your situation.

Key programs in Virginia

2-1-1 Virginia

Connects Virginia residents to local emergency rental assistance, shelter availability, utility help, food, and other social services. Operators can search by ZIP code for the most current local programs.

How to access: Call or text 2-1-1, available 24/7 in English and Spanish. You can also search online at www.211virginia.org.

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) — Local Rental Assistance Programs

DHCD funds and oversees rental and housing assistance programs throughout Virginia, including support for eviction prevention and affordable housing development. Actual funds are distributed through local administering agencies, which vary by locality.

How to access: Visit www.dhcd.virginia.gov or call 2-1-1 to be connected to the administering agency in your county or city. Your local Department of Social Services is also a key referral point.

HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies

Free or low-cost counseling for renters and homeowners facing eviction, foreclosure, or difficulty affording housing. Counselors can also help with tenant rights, budgeting, and navigating assistance programs.

How to access: Find a HUD-approved agency in Virginia at www.hud.gov/findacounselor or call HUD's housing counseling referral line at 1-800-569-4287.

VA Homeless Veterans Programs (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)

The VA operates several programs to help veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Virginia, including the HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) voucher program, which pairs rental assistance with case management, and the SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families) program for rapid rehousing and eviction prevention.

How to access: Contact your nearest VA medical center in Virginia, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838), or reach out through the VA's website at www.va.gov/homeless.

Eldercare Locator / Area Agencies on Aging

Older adults (generally 60+) in Virginia can access housing assistance, home repair programs, and help navigating benefits through their local Area Agency on Aging. Services vary by region and may include minor home modification grants, referrals to affordable senior housing, and case management.

How to access: Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–8 p.m. ET) or visit eldercare.acl.gov to find the Area Agency on Aging serving your Virginia county or city.

Housing Assistance resources for Virginia

Catholic Charities Of Eastern Virginia

HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).

Newport News, Virginia757-875-0060
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Child & Family Services Of Eastern Virginia, Inc. D/B/A The Up Center

HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).

Norfolk, Virginia757-622-7017
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Commonwealth Catholic Charities

HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).

Newport News, Virginia804-285-5986
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Hampton Redevelopment And Housing Authority

HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).

Hampton, Virginia757-727-1521
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Hampton Roads Community Action Program, Inc.

HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).

Newport News, Virginia757-247-0379
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James City County Office Of Housing

HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).

Williamsburg, Virginia757-259-5340
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Urban League Of Hampton Roads (Hampton)

HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).

Hampton, Virginia757-627-0864
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Virginia Housing And Community Development Corp

HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).

Portsmouth, Virginia757-800-1647
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211 Housing & Shelter

Nationwide

Local shelter, rental, and housing assistance referrals. Dial 211.

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National Low Income Housing Coalition

Nationwide

Resources and local referrals for affordable housing and rental assistance.

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