Virginia Peninsula · Hampton & Newport News
If you and your children are staying in a hotel, doubled up with someone, or about to lose where you're living, you are not out of options. Here's where to start, in plain language. You can do this.
Start here first
Almost every housing program on the Peninsula, including family shelters like Menchville House and some financial help, needs a referral from this hotline first. It's the front door. Calling here is the fastest way in.
When you call, say exactly how many nights you can still afford where you're staying. That one detail helps them know how urgent your situation is.
Call 757-587-4202 Open Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm · Toll-free: 866-750-4431A note on hotel stays: hotel limits in Hampton, Newport News, and Norfolk can force families to move every 28 days or so. If you're on that clock, mention it when you call. It affects how they plan your next step.
These are real places that help Peninsula families. Most of them ask that you call the hotline above first, so they can help you the right way.
Emergency and transitional shelter with case management, plus a day center with meals, showers, laundry, a food pantry, and help with documents and job searching. They also run a health clinic and a dental clinic.
Emergency help that can include rent, food, and utility assistance. Call first to ask how to make a request and what to bring.
This is where you apply for SNAP (food benefits), TANF (cash assistance), and other support programs. These benefits free up money that can go toward housing.
Free, confidential help finding food, shelter, utility assistance, and more. This is a good one for nights and weekends when other offices are closed. They give referrals, not money directly.
Under a federal law called McKinney-Vento, children living in a hotel or motel count as homeless, and that gives them real protections. Let the school's social work office know your situation.
Because of McKinney-Vento, you can ask the school for things like: staying in the same school even if you've moved, transportation to get there, free school meals right away, and connections to other help. Ask about their McKinney-Vento application.
Please say so when you call any of these numbers. There are separate, confidential shelter options for your safety. You can also reach Transitions Family Violence Services directly at 757-723-7774.
That's completely understandable. If you'd like someone to help you make these calls and figure out your next step, I'm here. Reaching out is a strength, not a weakness.
Reach out to meAll resources on this page were verified in October 2026. Programs and phone numbers can change, so if something doesn't connect, call the Housing Crisis Hotline at 757-587-4202 and they can point you the right way.