Admissions are on a first-come first-serve basis with no waiting lists. If the facility is full, persons seeking shelter are free to call again to see if there is space.

A limited amount of supportive services may be available to individuals needing temporary assistance but who are not admitted for a bed stay. These services may include meals, showers, laundry, and referral to other service providers.

Referrals are accepted from the community and allied professionals. Individuals may also self-refer.

Referral, Admission, & Intake Information

Prior to acceptance at the shelter, staff will take referral information to determine if the referral is appropriate. Referral information must include: is the person homeless, able to care for themselves, not a danger to themselves or others, and is an adult unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Drug screening is not a component of our admission process but is a part of our program once admitted.

After the initial referral is completed as described above, upon arrival to the facility, staff completes an intake file. During the intake, house rules and other information and guidelines are discussed with the client and the service contract is completed. At this point, the limits of confidentiality are explained. Clients are given a copy of everything they are asked to sign as a part of the process. Clients are provided with necessary personal items and are provided with an orientation to the shelter including a tour. Food is available upon admission. Clothing is available, subject to need and availability.

Shelter staff conducts an initial needs assessment to determine individual needs such as specific life skills training or referrals for additional community resources. A case manager meets with clients as soon as possible after they are admitted to complete a more in-depth assessment of their needs, determine individual goals, and develop a service plan. Case managers meet with clients a minimum of once weekly to review their service plan and assess progress on goals and to make any additional referrals that are determined to be necessary.

All staff meets once a week to review weekly admissions and individual case plans. During the meetings, individual case managers review the situations of new clients who have been admitted during the previous week so that all staff are equally able to respond to client needs. In addition, all client progress is reviewed by staff to see how individual clients are progressing toward their goals, how they are getting along in the shelter, any needs that have not been met, and specific referrals made. Staff maintains individual case files with regular documentation regarding the service plan, client goals and objectives, budgets, and advocacy and referrals on behalf of the client. Educational support groups are also provided to increase individual coping skills as well as to assist individuals in increasing life skills necessary to transition to independent living.

Case Management and coordination of services is provided by staff throughout their stay. Our program is designed to optimize all community agencies and resources in achieving our mission. We are working to build strong partnerships in the community with agencies who share our mission to provide quality services to homeless individuals and families. Some of the partnering agencies with which we work include Mount Rogers Community Services Board Community Counseling Services (CCS). CCS has mental health, mental retardation, and substance abuse counseling centers in all counties of our service area. Crossroads also works with Helping Overcome Poverty's Existence (H.O.P.E.), Inc. and the Department of Social Services to discuss joint cases, provide consultation, and make appropriate referrals to transitional and permanent housing.

Mission Statement: Crossroads Shelter, Inc., a non-profit shelter located in Wytheville, VA, provides emergency shelter, basic needs and supplemental services to homeless persons and families of Southwest Virginia to facilitate transition to independent living.