What can seniors do to protect themselves from scams directed at the elderly? Elder Law Attorney Doris Gelbman will address this issue at a meeting hosted by the Senior Statesmen of Virginia at Westminster-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 1:30pm. The meeting is free and open to the public. [Read more…]
Avoiding Scams Directed at the Elderly
The Haven: Updated List of Needs
(updated 11/4/25; please check the Haven website for updates)
Needed day shelter items
- Winter gloves
- Beanies / Winter hats
- Towels
- Washcloths
- Underwear (new, men’s and women’s sizes M-2XL)
- T-shirts (new or in good condition, all adult sizes)
- Soap and body wash*
- Deodorant*
- Razors (disposable)
- Body lotion / Vaseline*
- Socks (new or gently used, crew socks preferred)
- Tents
- Sleeping bags
- Chapstick / Lip balm
- Shampoo*
- Grocery bags
- Backpacks
- Belts
- Nail clippers
- Wet wipes (pocket/travel size)
- Phone chargers (USB-C and iPhone)
- Masking tape
- Large and pocket-sized hand sanitizer
- Tampons and menstrual pads (regular to super absorbency)
- Hair picks, bristle hair brushes
- Bandanas
- Toothpaste*
- Toilet paper
*= travel-sized preferred; bulk accepted
See The Haven’s Amazon wish list for easy ordering to the day shelter.
Because of storage concerns, we cannot accept most clothing donations. Please take clothes to the Belmont Clothing Center at 815 Bolling Ave. (operated by Belmont Baptist Church on Mondays from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., and Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) or Church of the Good Shepherd Clothes Closet at 500 Church St. (operated on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.), where our guests can obtain clothing for free.
Needed Extras For Our Guests
- Headphones
- Portable phone chargers
- Natural/textured hair care products (for leave-in moisture)
- Gift cards (stores, movie theaters, fast food, etc.)
- Snacks (individually wrapped, such as crackers, bars, tuna, etc.)
How do I drop off these needed items
Plan to drop off items during these hours: Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
If you are unable to make these times, reach out to us to coordinate another time.
Let us know to expect you! Call our front desk prior to dropping items off at 434-973-1234 ext. 100.
Bring items through the main shelter entrance off Market Street OR ring the doorbell at our side entrance (red door) on 1st Street for collection. Please do not drop off items without speaking to a staff member first.
You’ll be asked to complete an in-kind donation form for our records.
Questions?
Feel free to reach out to Kay Comer, Development Manager, at kay@thehaven.org or 434-202-4250 (text or call).
Haven Winter Coat Drive
The Haven is in its sixth year partnering with the fine folks of Do Good Cville to provide individuals experiencing homelessness with warm layers as we move into the cold winter months.
Please note that The Haven cannot accept donations of coats directly at their building on East Market Street due to lack of storage. [Read more…]
Financial Contributions to the Haven
The Little High Neighborhood Association encourages those who can to make financial contributions to the Haven. In addition to the options described below, the Little High Neighborhood Association will solicit donations to the Haven at its sponsored events.
** Note: All of the following is taken from the Haven’s website. **
The Haven provides respite services for people who are experiencing homelessness or living in extreme poverty in Charlottesville. [Read more…]
Shop Local Year Round
Buy Local!
Charlottesville’s small business community has been extremely hard hit by the coronavirus. We’ve lost quite a few beloved local businesses this year: Bashir’s, Boutique Boutique, The Bluegrass Grill, Prime 109, Fellini’s, etc.
But small business owners have also done a remarkable job of adapting to difficult circumstances. The Downtown Business Association of Charlottesville (DBAC) has come up with a great idea for promoting the businesses on the Downtown Mall: a gift card that can be used at any participating shop on the Downtown Mall. You can buy the DBAC gift card here (available in electronic or physical format). [Read more…]
