New (to us) Program Launch
We are thrilled to announce our newest homeless response program, Coordinated Homeless Intake & Access (CHIA)!
CHIA is a homeless hotline that serves the entire region by providing quick and helpful assistance for households facing a housing crisis. In 2014 Miriam’s House, in collaboration with the City of Lynchburg, Lynchburg Redevelopment & Housing Authority, and others, created CHIA to help streamline the homeless response services offered in our community. After several years of being housed at other agencies, CHIA was brought in-house this past July.
This homeless hotline can be reached at 434.427.CHIA
Alex Aleshire joined our team this summer as a Coordinated Entry Specialist working within the CHIA program. In this role, Alex assists families experiencing a housing crisis by offering resources and support.
Hear from Alex about what excited them the most about working at Miriam’s House:
IN THE PAST 3 months, CHIA has helped over 1,000 callers by providing support and resources.
“When moving to Lynchburg, I was completely unfamiliar with the area, including what local organizations existed and might align with my own career values and desires. Previously, I was working for a nonprofit in Indiana as a victim advocate- primarily for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. Changing states, I knew I wanted to continue working at an agency that values empowerment, collaboration, inclusivity, and a person-first approach. As soon as I saw the posting for Miriam’s House and the Coordinated Entry Specialist role, I knew this was the place I wanted to work. As a victim advocate, I had significant experience working with individuals struggling with homelessness, as well as experience running a crisis hotline. I felt confident that my skills would align with this role and prove beneficial not only to Miriam’s House, but the community as a whole. I was attracted to this role because of the values and skills required, and I hope to uphold those expectations throughout my time here at Miriam’s House.”