Charlottesville announces next steps for emergency shelter at Holiday Drive

Charlottesville announces next steps for emergency shelter at Holiday Drive

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - Charlottesville City Council voted Monday night, August 3, to move forward with a temporary emergency shelter at 2000 Holiday Drive and approved up to $4 million for emergency sheltering and direct-to-housing services.

The city is now working to finalize an agreement with Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) to operate the Holiday Drive facility. The agreement remains subject to final registrations, approvals and a signed contract.

If finalized, CASS would operate the shelter while providing case management and connecting residents with healthcare, behavioral health services, employment resources and permanent housing, the city said.

Charlottesville City Council Member Michael Payne said he supported moving forward with the plan.

“We’re finally going to be able to open Holiday Drive as a year-round, low-barrier shelter which will be transformative in terms of what we’re able to offer to anyone who is currently staying outside,” Payne said. “And then, at the end of the year, they’re slated to open 80 units of permanent supportive housing.”

The city said it is working to open the temporary shelter as soon as possible. The coordinated transition of the Rivanna Riverfront encampments is scheduled to begin September 1.

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