Women, single mothers, and children can now use Norma’s Place shelter, part of House of Hope in Danville

DANVILLE, Virginia—House of Hope now has a shelter for women, single mothers, and children.

The name “Norma’s Place” comes from Norma Brower, who works for the city of Danville and is on the board of the House of Hope.

“She saw that the number of people who needed homeless services, especially emergency shelter, was going up,” said Jude Swanson, the Executive Director of House of Hope. “It’s too bad that Norma died before the project was finished. So, this new part of the shelter was named in her honor for all she did for it.”

Norma’s place has 16 beds in four rooms and a play area for kids.

“We’ve seen a rise in the number of single moms and their children who are homeless and can’t find a place to stay. So, we wanted to give them a place to stay where they could feel safe, warm, and comfortable,” Swanson said.

The original shelter, which was built in 2009, was also fixed up with new flooring, paint, and seven more beds.

“People need a place to stay, but it’s also important to show that your homeless shelter is a place that other people care about,” said Swanson.

In 2022, more than 220 people went to House of Hope, compared to about 170 in 2021.

Swanson says that the reasons are the rise in housing costs, the drop in affordable housing, and the end of COVID-19 protections. The new casino will also have an effect.

“Because of the effects on real estate, some people are being forced to move because their homes are worth a lot more now than they were before. Some people can’t afford to live where they used to,” said Swanson.

Guests can stay at the shelter for up to 30 days. During that time, they are given tools to help them find a place to live.

On February 25, House of Hope will hold their “Coldest Night of the Year” run to raise money to help people who are hungry or without a home.