Need Help
Menchville House is referral-based and works through the regional Housing Crisis Hotline to help families connect with shelter and the right next step.
Most Important
Calling Menchville House directly does not place a family into shelter. The Housing Crisis Hotline and coordinated entry process are used to review housing crises and connect families to the most appropriate available resource.
Placement depends on eligibility, family needs, documentation, and current shelter availability.
Referral Process
This process helps the region prioritize limited shelter space and connect families to the best available option. Calling the hotline is the first step, not a guarantee of immediate placement.
The hotline will ask about your household, safety, income, and immediate needs.
Staff review eligibility, family size, current availability, and possible referrals.
If referral is possible, you will be told what to do next and what to bring.
Gather IDs, contact information, school details, medications, and urgent documents if available.
Families in shelter work with case management on safety, income, housing, and stability.
Before You Call
You do not need everything perfectly organized before asking for help. If you are in crisis, call anyway.
FAQ
These answers are meant to reduce confusion. If you are in a housing crisis, the best first step is still to call the Housing Crisis Hotline.
No. Menchville House is referral-based only and does not accept walk-ins for shelter placement. Families must start by calling the Housing Crisis Hotline at 757-587-4202.
No. Shelter space is limited. Placement depends on eligibility, family needs, current availability, and the coordinated entry process. There may be waiting periods, and the hotline may discuss other options if shelter is not immediately available.
Menchville House serves families experiencing homelessness, including many family configurations. Single women may be eligible for referral. Menchville House cannot take single men without children, but single fathers with children may be eligible through the referral process.
No. Menchville House provides temporary emergency shelter. The goal is to help families stabilize, reduce housing barriers, and work toward permanent housing.
Families participate in case management and work on goals such as income, documentation, housing applications, budgeting, school routines, healthcare connections, and permanent housing plans.
Call the Housing Crisis Hotline and also review prevention resources such as THRIVE Peninsula, 211 Virginia, and local social services. Prevention options may depend on income, documentation, funding availability, and how urgent the eviction or utility issue is.
Ask what the next step is, whether there are prevention or diversion options, and whether there are other agencies you should contact. Keep your phone available, write down names and instructions, and continue checking the resource list below.
Menchville House is not the only resource in the community. THRIVE, LINK, HELP, 211 Virginia, and local city services may be able to connect you with food, document help, utility assistance, day services, or other supports depending on your situation.
Local Resources
Processes, hours, funding, and availability can change. Use the links below to confirm current details before going in person.
Shelter Access
The regional starting point for families and individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. Hotline staff screen callers and connect them with appropriate shelter, case management, prevention, or other resources when available.
Prevention & Basic Needs
Provides services such as food pantry appointments, critical bill assistance, financial coaching, benefits help, and vital document support for eligible Peninsula residents.
Winter Shelter & Emergency Services
LINK operates emergency services and the seasonal PORT Winter Shelter, which provides a warm place to sleep during the winter season through rotating community partners.
Shelter, Day Support & Healthcare
HELP provides shelter, healthcare, and support services to residents of Hampton and Newport News, including emergency shelter, transitional shelter, case management, day support, meals, showers, laundry, mail, document assistance, and dental care.
Statewide Referral Line
A free, confidential statewide service that connects people with community resources for housing, food, healthcare, utilities, benefits, transportation, clothing, legal services, mental health, and more.
Newport News Support Hub
The City of Newport News describes Four Oaks as a centralized support hub where people at risk of or experiencing homelessness can access day services and connections to community resources.