Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Major Mark Van Meter of the Charlottesville Salvation Army is leading the charge to introduce a low-barrier shelter at the organization’s Cherry Ave. location to address homelessness in the city. Unlike no-barrier shelters, which have minimal rules, low-barrier shelters maintain standards like requiring identification, personal hygiene, and responsible behavior, even for those under the influence of substances. As Major Van Meter explained, “We truly do want to provide winning opportunities for everybody.”  

Efforts to develop this shelter have involved over 15 months of discussions with city officials and community partners. Though initially hoping another organization would lead, the Salvation Army stepped up to ensure these services are available. 

The shelter aims to serve as a pathway to stability, providing case management to help individuals transition to high-barrier shelters, which require sobriety and stricter criteria. Major Van Meter emphasized the importance of offering these different shelter levels, saying, “Within three or four months, you can be off the streets, have a job, and enjoy life again.” 

“Our goal is to meet human needs without discrimination,” Major Van Meter stated, highlighting the organization’s commitment to providing opportunities for all members of the community.  

Listen here for the full conversation: