Homelessness

If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness:

  • Contact the Department of Human Services Community Assistance Bureau (CAB) at 703-228-1300 for assistance.
  • In case of shelter need during non-business hours, households should call 703-228-1010 for assistance.

Arlington County’s Centralized Access System (CAS), operated by the Department of Human Services Community Assistance Bureau, provides access to services across the entire Continuum of Care or homeless response system. Utilizing comprehensive, client-centered assessments, CAS connects households as quickly as possible with the interventions that will most effectively and efficiently prevent or end their experience of homelessness and lead to greater stability.

The Community Assistance Bureau's Clinical Coordination Program helps Arlington residents find shelter, emergency food and other vital DHS and community services. Referrals can be made to all Arlington County shelters.

Click on the following links for more information:

Lifeline: Call 9-8-8 if you are experiencing a mental health crisis and would like to speak with a trained crisis counselor. The lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress. 

 

Doorways 24-hour Domestic Violence & Sexual Violence Hotline: Call 703-237-0881 if you or someone you know is experiencing abuse in our community.



Homelessness

If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness or is at risk of experiencing homelessness, please visit the Homeless Services main page.

 

2025 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count Results 

10 year trends of sheltered and unsheltered individuals from 2016 to 2025. The graph shows a 12% increase in Arlington County homelessness. 19% increase in unsheltered homelessness. 10% increase in sheltered homelesness.

 

Each year, the Continuum of Care conducts a Point-in-Time Count to understand the scope of homelessness in our community. Please see a summary of 2025’s results here: 2025 PIT Results Summary(PDF, 752KB). This year, Arlington Virginia’s Continuum of Care also conducted a parallel count of youth and young adults. To learn more about the outcomes of this effort, please see a summary here: 2025 Youth PIT Results Summary(PDF, 845KB). Data from Arlington, VA is part of a regional analysis and annual report on homelessness by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) Homeless Services Planning and Coordinating Committee. Learn more at www.mwcog.org/homelessnessreport.

 

Resources for Partners

More resources for providers can be found here.

Contact Us

Economic Independence Division
2100 Washington Blvd. Arlington, VA 22204
703-228-1350
703-228-1788 TTY 
dhs@arlingtonva.us

 

Manage Your Benefits Online!

You can check your eligibility, apply for public assistance programs, and manage your account online through Virginia CommonHelp. Click here to learn what documentation and information you will need when you apply.
 

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