It’s been more than a month since Charlottesville closed two encampments dozens of people called home, and opened its emergency shelter at 2000 Holiday Dr. Dozens of people are utilizing the space every day, including those previously living along the Rivanna River.
Everyone C-VILLE spoke to said the emergency shelter is a work in progress—but some staying there say the city is falling short of its promises. Former encampment residents are also opting to stay elsewhere, including outside, after trying the Holiday Drive site. Others are unable to get a bed.
On Holiday
Richard Southee, regional executive director for Central Arizona Shelter Services, didn’t come to Charlottesville to run the emergency shelter—he moved to town last year with his fiancé, who is a student at the University of Virginia…