Miriam’s House announced Monday that it plans to convert its building at 409 Magnolia Street into a dedicated emergency shelter for families with children facing homelessness.

The CDC eviction moratorium has been providing financial aid to households impacted by COVID-19. The federal program was extended multiple times during the pandemic, but is set to expire.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Miriam’s House is distributing ‘blessing bags’ to those who are less fortunate. Sarah Quarantotto, executive director of Miriam’s House, said the blessing bags will benefit those without shelter and the nonprofit organization. (Miriam's House)“This count really informs the federal government on funding decisions [and] what the need is in each community,” said Quarantotto. So, the anticipation of all of us in homeless response is that homelessness will rise over the next few months,” Quarantotto said. Miriam’s House is counting on resources to meet the need.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Barbara Harris was once homeless and says between COVID-19 and the colder weather, she’s grateful now more than ever to have a roof over her head. “I see people on the streets here in Lynchburg, and I know they’re homeless. “The less people in shelter, the less dense the shelter is, and the more that they can social distance,” said Kristen Nolen, director of housing services. Nolen says Lynchburg has actually seen a drop in homelessness compared to this time last year and 2018. “I have a sitting area and a bedroom, but to me that means everything in the world,” Harris said.