Last updated: July 14, 2026
Bottom line
Virginia does not have one housing grant only for single mothers. Help usually comes through local homeless crisis systems, rent and eviction programs, Community Action Agencies, housing authorities, affordable apartment properties, utility assistance, legal aid, and safety services.
Start with the problem that could make your family lose housing first. A voucher may lower rent for years, but it usually will not stop an eviction this week. Call the local crisis system for shelter or prevention help, and call legal aid right away if you have court papers.
Use ASMOM’s national housing guide to understand the main housing paths, then follow the Virginia steps below.
If you need housing help today
Call 211 Virginia for free, confidential referrals available 24 hours a day. Dial 211, call 1-800-230-6977, or text CONNECT to 247211. Ask for family shelter, rent help, utility help, food, diapers, and the homeless crisis contact for your city or county.
If you are homeless or may have nowhere safe to sleep, use the state housing crisis map to find the local coordinated entry or crisis number. You can also use the HUD shelter finder for shelters, food pantries, health clinics, and clothing resources.
If you have an eviction notice, summons, court date, or lockout threat, call the eviction legal helpline at 1-833-NOEVICT (1-833-663-8428). Do not miss court while waiting for rent help.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For domestic or sexual violence support, call the Virginia Family Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-838-8238 or text 804-793-9999 through the Virginia safety page. Use a safer device if someone may watch your browsing.
The ASMOM Virginia emergency guide covers other urgent family needs that may affect housing.
Where to start in Virginia
No safe place tonight
Call the local homeless crisis system. Ask for coordinated entry, family shelter, motel help, rapid rehousing, or another safe option. Space and funds are not guaranteed.
Behind on rent
Call the crisis system, a local Community Action Agency, and legal aid. Ask what proof is needed before a court date or move-out deadline.
Need lower rent
Apply to open voucher and public housing lists. Also call affordable apartment properties because their lists are separate.
The ASMOM Community Action guide explains how local agencies may help with housing, energy, work, food, and other needs.
Quick reference
| Your need | Best first contact | What to ask | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| No safe place tonight | Local homeless crisis system | Family shelter, coordinated entry, or rapid rehousing | Space and funding vary by area. |
| Eviction papers | Eviction legal helpline | Legal review, court steps, and possible diversion | Strict deadlines may apply. |
| Long-term lower rent | Housing authorities and properties | Vouchers, public housing, and project-based units | Each list opens and closes separately. |
| Cooling or power bill | Virginia Energy Assistance | Cooling, crisis, fuel, PIPP, or weatherization | Programs have different dates and rules. |
| Housing discrimination | Fair Housing Office | Complaint options and protected classes | Save ads, messages, dates, and names. |
Emergency rent and shelter help
Virginia’s local homeless crisis systems are the main entry point for people who are homeless or close to losing housing. The state Homeless Solutions Program funds local systems and providers. It is not one direct statewide cash application for residents.
A local system may screen your family for shelter, homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing, case management, or another referral. The answer depends on your location, housing status, household needs, available units, and current funding.
When you call, explain where you slept last night, whether you have a written notice, the date you must leave, your children’s ages, disability or pregnancy needs, and whether it is safe for an agency to call or leave a message.
The statewide pandemic Virginia Rent Relief Program closed to new applications on May 15, 2022. The official rent relief closure notice is still online, but it is not a current application. Local rent or eviction programs may exist under different names.
Virginia has 31 Community Action Agencies. The official Community Action page says they may offer housing support and other anti-poverty services. Call the agency serving your area and ask whether it has rent, deposit, emergency, weatherization, or referral help.
Emergency help is limited
A referral does not mean money or shelter is available. An agency may ask for a lease, landlord balance, eviction notice, proof of income, household records, or a plan for paying future rent. Ask what is needed before paying for copies or transportation.
For more ways to handle a rent crisis, use the ASMOM rent help guide. The Virginia help guide covers food, health, cash, child care, and other support that may protect rent money.
Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing
The Housing Choice Voucher program, often called Section 8, helps eligible households pay part of the rent for an approved private rental. Public housing is different because a housing authority owns or manages the home. Project-based assistance stays with a certain apartment rather than moving with the tenant.
Virginia does not have one application for every voucher or public housing list. The current Virginia voucher page says applicants must wait for an agency’s list to open and apply online during the opening. Each agency keeps its own list.
Use the voucher administrator map to find Virginia Housing partners. Also use the HUD housing authority finder because some cities and counties have separate public housing agencies.
Ask every agency about vouchers, public housing, project-based units, family properties, accessible units, and local preferences. A Virginia Housing agency may give a residency preference to people who live or work in its service area, but people outside the area may still be allowed to apply when the list is open.
| Housing path | How it helps | Where to apply | What to remember |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing Choice Voucher | Helps pay rent in an approved private rental | An open housing agency list | You may need to find a landlord and pass inspection. |
| Public housing | Offers income-based rent in agency units | Local housing authority | Unit size, location, and waiting time vary. |
| Project-based housing | Provides assistance tied to one property | Property manager or housing authority | The assistance usually does not move with you. |
| Income-restricted rental | Offers rent or units with income rules | Property manager | It may not use the same rent formula as Section 8. |
Voucher scam warning
Housing authority applications are free. Do not pay someone to place you on a Section 8 list or move you ahead. Confirm every opening through the housing agency or HUD before sharing Social Security numbers.
The ASMOM Section 8 guide explains waitlists, inspections, rent shares, and updates after you apply.
Search for affordable rentals
Do not wait only for a voucher. Apply to affordable apartment properties one by one. A property may have tax-credit units, project-based assistance, senior or disability units, or regular apartments with lower rents.
The official rental search page links to VirginiaHousingSearch and lists a call center at 877-428-8844, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern, in English and Spanish.
Use VirginiaHousingSearch to filter by rent, number of bedrooms, location, accessibility, and other needs. Listings can change, so call the property to confirm the rent, deposit, fees, vacancy, waiting list, utility costs, and voucher policy.
Apply to more than one property when possible. Keep a list of the date, contact person, fee, documents, confirmation number, and next update date. Tell the property manager if you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability.
Utility help and weatherization
Virginia’s Energy Assistance Program has separate parts for heating, energy crises, cooling, and weatherization. Each part has its own application dates and household rules.
| Program part | Usual application period | What it may help with | Important limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Assistance | Second Tuesday in October through second Friday in November | Home heating costs | You must meet household and heating-cost rules. |
| Crisis Assistance | November 1 through March 15 for equipment or deposits; January through March 15 for fuel or utility bills | No heat, cutoff risk, unsafe equipment, or related emergency | The type of emergency and available service matter. |
| Cooling Assistance | June 15 through August 15 | Cooling equipment, repair, electric bills, or deposits | A vulnerable household member and cooling expense are generally required. |
| Weatherization | Contact a local provider | Insulation, air sealing, and heating or cooling work | It does not pay a utility bill directly. |
As of July 14, 2026, the listed annual Cooling Assistance period is open. Approval and the type of help still depend on eligibility, documents, equipment needs, and program rules.
Apply through CommonHelp, call 855-635-4370, or contact your local Department of Social Services. Some Dominion Energy customers may also be able to ask about the Percentage of Income Payment Program.
The Virginia weatherization page explains that approved work may include air sealing, insulation, and heating or cooling repairs. Local providers handle applications, and renters may need landlord cooperation.
Use the ASMOM Virginia utility guide for more shutoff and bill-help steps.
Eviction, discrimination, and safety rights
Housing law has strict deadlines. This article is general information, not legal advice. Save every notice, court paper, lease, payment record, repair request, text, email, and envelope.
Virginia’s Eviction Diversion Program may be used by participating general district courts for some nonpayment cases. The rules can require the tenant to appear at the first court date, pay part of the amount due, and meet other conditions. Ask legal aid whether your court uses the program and whether you qualify. Do not try to decide from an online summary alone.
Virginia fair housing law protects people based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, disability, source of funds, sexual orientation, gender identity, and military status. The Fair Housing Office explains complaints and reasonable accommodations.
Source of funds protection may matter when a landlord rejects lawful rental assistance or a voucher. It does not mean every unit must meet voucher price, inspection, or program rules. Contact the Fair Housing Office or legal aid for help with your facts.
Survivors in many HUD-covered housing programs may have rights under the Violence Against Women Act. The HUD VAWA page explains notices, documentation, confidentiality, and emergency transfer protections. Ask a trained advocate or lawyer how the rules apply to your housing.
Use the ASMOM Virginia safety guide and Virginia legal guide for safer next steps.
Homebuyer and home repair help
Homebuyer programs are not emergency rent help. Buying may be worth checking only when your income, credit, savings, child care, transportation, and emergency budget can support a mortgage and repairs.
The state DHCD down payment program works through local providers for eligible first-time buyers. It offers gap financing based on income, property, inspection, underwriting, and local funding rules. Ask whether assistance is deferred, forgivable, or repayable before relying on it.
The current Virginia Housing grant is a true grant used only with eligible Virginia Housing loans. Applicants must meet buyer, income, loan, and sales-price rules through an approved lender.
The VIDA savings program currently lists a $10 match for each $1 saved, up to $10,000 for down payment and closing costs. Enrollment depends on eligibility, readiness, available funding, and a participating intermediary in the area.
Low- and very-low-income rural applicants can also check the USDA Direct Loan. Income, rural location, repayment ability, property rules, and funding all matter.
The ASMOM Virginia homebuyer guide explains these choices in more detail.
Documents to gather
You can make the first call before every paper is ready. Still, missing proof can delay help. Keep copies and send private records only through a trusted agency’s secure method.
| Document | Why it may be needed | Possible backup |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID | Identity check | Ask the agency about accepted alternatives. |
| Household records | Shows family size | Birth, school, benefit, or custody records |
| Income proof | Program eligibility | Pay stubs, award letters, support records, or employer statement |
| Lease and rent ledger | Shows rent and amount owed | Landlord statement, receipts, or bank records |
| Eviction papers | Shows court and deadline details | Photos of every page and envelope |
| Utility bill | Energy application or crisis proof | Shutoff notice or account printout |
| Housing applications | Tracks waitlists | Confirmation emails and screenshots |
| Safe contact details | Lets agencies reach you | Trusted mailing address, email, or phone |
The ASMOM documents checklist gives a longer list for housing and benefit applications.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Do not pay to apply for Section 8 or public housing.
- Do not assume a 211 referral means money or shelter is available.
- Do not miss court because you are waiting for an agency call.
- Do not apply to only one housing list.
- Do not ignore housing authority mail, email, or update requests.
- Do not send identity records through social media messages.
- Do not rely on the closed statewide Rent Relief Program.
If you are denied, delayed, or ignored
Ask for the reason in writing. Save the notice and check for an appeal, hearing, review, or document deadline. A closed list is not the same as a denial, and one agency’s answer does not decide every housing program.
- Missing proof: Ask for the exact document and a safe way to submit it.
- Income decision: Ask which income period and household members were counted.
- Closed voucher list: Ask about public housing, project-based units, and nearby agencies.
- No rent funds: Ask when funds may be reviewed and whether another provider serves your area.
- Accommodation denied: Ask for the decision in writing and contact fair housing or legal aid.
- Eviction case: Call legal aid and follow the court papers, even if another application is pending.
The ASMOM denied benefits guide shows how to track notices, deadlines, and follow-up calls.
Other help that can protect rent money
Food and child care costs can make a housing crisis worse. Use the ASMOM Virginia SNAP guide and Virginia child care page to check programs that may lower monthly pressure.
If your family is living in a shelter, motel, car, campground, or temporarily with other people because you lost housing, contact your child’s school. Virginia’s homeless student page explains school support through Project HOPE-Virginia. Ask the school for its McKinney-Vento liaison.
The ASMOM local resource guide can help you plan calls for food, transportation, household items, and community support.
Phone scripts
Calling the crisis system
“I live in [city or county], Virginia. My family is [homeless now / leaving housing on date / facing eviction]. I have [number] children. Can you screen me for family shelter, prevention, rapid rehousing, or coordinated entry?”
Calling a housing authority
“Are any voucher, public housing, project-based, or family housing lists open? How do I apply, and how should I update my phone, email, address, or household after applying?”
Calling legal aid
“I have an eviction notice or court paper in [county or city]. My hearing date is [date]. Can someone review the papers and tell me whether legal aid or eviction diversion may apply?”
Calling energy assistance
“I need help with [cooling, heating, a shutoff, equipment, or a deposit]. Which Energy Assistance part is open, and what proof do I need for my household and utility account?”
Resumen en español
Virginia no tiene una sola ayuda de vivienda solo para madres solteras. La ayuda puede venir de refugios, programas locales de renta, agencias de vivienda, apartamentos con renta limitada, ayuda de servicios públicos y ayuda legal.
Llame al 211 para pedir el número del sistema de crisis de vivienda de su ciudad o condado. Si recibió papeles de desalojo, llame al 1-833-NOEVICT y no falte a la corte. Para ayuda de energía, use CommonHelp o llame al 855-635-4370.
Si está en peligro, llame al 911. Para violencia doméstica o sexual, llame al 1-800-838-8238 o envíe un texto al 804-793-9999. Use un teléfono o computadora más segura si alguien vigila su actividad.
FAQs
Is the Virginia Rent Relief Program still open?
No. The statewide pandemic Rent Relief Program closed to new applications on May 15, 2022. Local rent and homelessness programs may still exist.
How do I apply for Section 8 in Virginia?
Apply when a Virginia Housing partner or local housing authority opens its list. Each agency has a separate application, waiting list, and service area.
Can a Virginia landlord refuse a voucher?
Virginia fair housing law protects source of funds. Other program rules still apply. Contact fair housing or legal aid if a landlord rejects lawful assistance.
What should I do before eviction court?
Call 1-833-NOEVICT, save all papers, gather payment records, and attend court. Ask whether rent help or eviction diversion may apply to your case.
Is Virginia Cooling Assistance open now?
As of July 14, 2026, the listed annual period is open through August 15. Eligibility, documents, and the type of cooling help still matter.
What if my children and I have nowhere to sleep?
Call 211 and the local homeless crisis system. Also tell your child’s school and ask for the McKinney-Vento liaison if your housing is unstable.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified July 14, 2026, next review October 14, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.