How CAST Works

CAST provides safe, overnight shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Chesapeake.

If you are experiencing homelessness or at risk of being homeless, call the Regional Housing Crisis Hotline FIRST (757-587-4202). This will provide you with resource information and allows you to receive benefits from the resource center.

For Shelter - Go to the Intake Location:
Chesapeake Cares Resource Center
2255 Steppingstone Square
Chesapeake, VA

Hours may vary by day and host church.

Evening intake begins around 6:45 pm.
Resource Center Phone: 757-382-2373

Important:
You must complete screening to enter CAST shelters. No one can enter a church or the resource center directly without intake.

Who can stay at CAST?

CAST can help if you are:

Currently experiencing homelessness
A Chesapeake resident
An individual or family with children
In need of overnight winter shelter
Able to follow CAST rules for safety and respect

CAST cannot accept:

Registered sex offenders (required by policy)
Individuals bringing weapons, drugs (including vape pens of any kind), or alcohol onto the premises
Individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Guests with pets
Individuals who are currently housed

What to Expect at Intake

1. Arrive at the Chesapeake Cares Resource Center

Volunteers greet you, answer questions, and guide you through the process.

2. Screening & Registration

All guests:

Must present ID
Are checked on the CAST safety list
Are breathalyzed
Must not bring weapons, drugs, alcohol, or pets
Must follow CAST rules (agreement signed once per season)
Data for each guest may also be entered into HMIS (Homeless Management Information System).**

Guests receive a name tag, a mat, and a blanket when they arrive at the host site. Towels also available for shower use.

3. Transportation to Shelter

After screening and registration, guests ride the CAST bus or follow in their personal vehicle to the host church or community partner site for the night. Guests may not enter the shelter until the CAST bus arrives.

4. Dinner, Warmth, Community

A hot meal, sleeping area, restrooms, and volunteer support are provided nightly. If the host church or community partner for the week chooses to host at the Chesapeake Cares Resource Center, showers will also be available.

**Aggregate and specific data from the HMIS are used by local, state, and federal policymakers to inform decisions around homeless service provision. To learn more about HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) click here.

What Should I Bring?

You do not need much to stay with CAST.
Suggested items:

ID (required)
Medications
Small personal items
Weather-appropriate clothing (If you need help with this, please let a CAST representative know.)
A small bag (space is limited)

Do not bring:

Weapons
Drugs or alcohol
Vape Pens of any kind
Pets
Large amounts of belongings

Bike storage is available - please bring a bike lock if you have one.

Families & Youth

CAST welcomes families and ensures children and teens are cared for safely.

Families with Children
Families are always prioritized for shelter. You will receive a separate sleeping area whenever possible, and CAST partners with ForKids to help you access housing support, case management, and resources for stability. A CAST volunteer will contact ForKids within 24 hours of your arrival.

ForKids: 757-622-6400 ext. 119

Unaccompanied Youth (Under 18)
If a teen arrives without a parent or guardian, CAST will ensure they are brought inside safely and then immediately contact Social Services to arrange the appropriate placement for the night. This protects both the youth and the organization.

Social Services Hotline: 1-800-552-7096

Nightly
Schedule

6:45 pm: Intake and screening at the CCRC
7:15 pm: Transport to host church
7:45 pm: Dinner and announcements
10:00 pm: Lights out
5:30 am: Wake up
6:00 am: Breakfast
6:30 am: Departure to CCRC and South Norfolk