A PLACE OF REFUGE FOR THE UNSHELTERED.
The Refuge on Memorial provides a safe, dignified, and supportive environment for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. Our mission is to empower our guests through comprehensive services and resources that address their immediate needs while guiding them towards greater self-sufficiency, stability, and fulfillment.
We strive to be a beacon of hope, offering not just shelter but also access to healthcare, job training, counseling, and other vital programs. Our dedicated staff and volunteers treat every guest with compassion, respect their inherent worth, and nurture their aspirations for a better future.
The Refuge is committed to fostering an inclusive community where our guests can rebuild their lives, rediscover their potential, and ultimately transition into permanent, sustainable housing solutions. We collaborate with local organizations, businesses, and government agencies to tackle the complex challenges of homelessness through innovative approaches and collective impact.
Grounded in the values of empathy, resilience, and human dignity, The Refuge on Memorial is devoted to transforming lives, one person at a time, and creating a more just and equitable society for all.
November 2024 -UPDATE
Thanks to our sponsors
Platinum - $10,000
Silver - $2,500
Bronze - $1000
Aiden Bengas
Alejandra Nesbit
Attorney Ralph and Victoria Smiley
Bishop S.Y. Younger
Claude Gardner
Drs. Tony and Cleo Ryals
Dr. Dani and Nicole Rule
Dr. Keith Anderson
Dr. Shanece Green
Hugh Ballou and Leigh Anne Taylor
Jarvis Perkins
Jason and Casey Clark
Joshua Alatis
Lakeisha Swain
Mable Tucker
Melanie Hudson
Michael and Gretna Jackson
Tahira Moore
Tharp Funeral Home
Walter and Kristal Virgil
Special Thanks
The Ramp Church International -
for allowing the usage of the Memorial Avenue property for The Refuge.
Waymaker Church
LU Serve
Miriam's House
Unity in the Community Nonprofit
RIck Hughes
Warm Beds
MAKE AN IMPACT
Get Involved!
Get Involved!
Long Term Volunteer
Committed Internship
As Needed Volunteer
GIVING PHASES
PHASE 01
Includes up to 15 overnight beds, two portable showers, sprinkler system, on-site volunteers, one case manager, and day shelter resources.
PHASE 02
Includes up to 25 overnight beds, two indoor showers, two part time staff, one case manager, self-sufficiency programs, and day shelter center.
PHASE 03
Includes up to 50 overnight beds, four indoor showers, two full time staff, one full time case manager, five college interns, self-sufficiency programs, and day shelter.
FAQs
-
The Refuge on Memorial is a 24-hour facility with an overnight emergency shelter, warming/cooling center, and day shelter/drop-in center serving men, women, and entire family units.
-
This means that requirements for entry are limited or minimal. Entry will not be refused based on barriers such as sobriety, income verification, or program participation. However, guests must be willing to adhere to the shelter policies prohibiting the possession of drugs, alcohol, and weapons; they must obey the law and behave nonthreateningly.
-
At 50-bed capacity, it will serve various unsheltered populations including chronically homeless individuals, families, youth, and those with short-term displacement.
-
Through partnerships with local law enforcement, private security companies, and surveillance, we will keep the standards of safety as a top priority. Each guest must agree to the no-weapon policy, obey the law and behave nonthreateningly.
-
To help maintain safety and community optics, loitering and panhandling on premises will not be permitted. Because of the Day Shelter and resources like charging stations and an on-site technology center, loitering along the Memorial Avenue corridor and at the local library will be reduced.
-
By partnering with Miriam's House and the Central Virginia CoC we have access to some government funding; however, the majority of funding will come from private donors, religious and civic organizations, and local companies who believe in the mission.
-
The Shelter at RESET closes on June 30, 2024, further increasing the need for the unsheltered in our community.
-
The Ramp Church International offered their former church property at 2220 Memorial Avenue for this new shelter facility.
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Email
SupportRefuge@unitynonprofit.org
Phone
434-849-8716