Find alternatives to calling the Charlottesville Police Department.
Typically, people call the police because they are experiencing or perceive an emergency and need immediate assistance. In order to provide the most effective alternatives to calling the police or 911, unless otherwise indicated, the resources included here are limited to those that offer immediate assistance through emergency or crisis services.
These resources may be obligated to call police in the case of an immediate risk of harm to the caller or another, child abuse, or abuse of a vulnerable adult. Where we know or suspect that a resource may work in cooperation with law enforcement or involve them beyond what is required by law, we acknowledge that in the listing.
These resources are not intended to cover all situations, only to provide the services described. If you are in danger of immediate harm and feel safe doing so, call 911.
Housing
Coming soon.
LGBTQ+
- Side by Side
- Hotline for LGBTQ+ youth and a wide variety of services for youth and young adults including counseling, housing, financial assistance. Also hosts virtual support groups for youth and adults, as well as training to become advocates at schools.
- UVA Teen & Young Adult Health Center, 1204 W. Main St., Charlottesville, VA 22903
- 1 (888) 644-4390
- Text: (804) 793-9999, or chat online
- https://www.sidebysideva.org/
Mental Health
- REACH
- Designed to meet the crisis support needs of individuals who have a developmental disability and are experiencing crisis events that put them at risk for homelessness, incarceration, hospitalization, and/or danger to self or others. REACH programs offer an additional layer of support to emergency services, the state hospital system, and caregivers who work most closely with individuals with a developmental disability (DD). Offers crisis services, including mobile outreach and intervention (within 2 hours) and short-term residential care. 24/7 crisis and referral hotline staffed by clinicians.
- 500 Old Lynchburg Rd Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Adults: (855) 917-8278 (24/7)
- Children: (888) 908-0486 (24/7)
- https://regionten.org/services/reach-crisis-services/
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
- Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA)
- Free services to sexual assault survivors and their families. Advocates provide case management, emotional support, assistance with the legal process, and referrals to therapy. Hotline support is free and confidential. 24-hour availability to accompany survivors to the ER. Reporting to law enforcement not required. Located in Charlottesville, Virginia and serve the city of Charlottesville as well as Albemarle, Louisa, Nelson, Fluvanna and Greene counties. Services offered in English and Spanish.
- (434) 220-7273
- Hotline: (434) 977-7273 (24/7)
- https://www.saracville.org/
Youth
Please note, people answering these calls may be mandatory reporters, and required to make a report to CPS or law enforcement in certain situations. Learn about local mandatory reporter laws here.
Coming soon.
Elders
Coming soon.
Crime
- B.U.C.K. Squad
- Group made up of community members trained in violence intervention and de-escalation. Violence interruption and immediate response for disarming and de-escalating conflict.
- (434) 365- 4187 (24/7)
- https://www.bucksquad911.org/
- Peace in the Streets
- Made up of a network of local community members, provides non-violent conflict intervention and mediation to prevent escalation through their Sitdowns Not Shootouts hotline. Can offer assistance for interpersonal conflicts, domestic violence, and other community concerns. Also offer food assistance.
- (434) 218-2387 (24/7)
- (434) 906-3371
- https://www.peaceinthestreetscva.com/
Substances
Coming soon.
Please consider using these alternatives to calling the Charlottesville Police Department or 911 when faced with a situation that calls for de-escalation and/or intervention.
We have tried to indicate where police or law enforcement may work with the alternative resources listed; please let us know if you have any concerns about these resources.
Reimagine public safety. Don’t call the police.