Harrisonburg

Harrisonburg is a small, friendly college city in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, home to James Madison University and a sizable immigrant and refugee community that gives it a diverse, welcoming feel despite its modest size. The average household income here runs around $65,000 a year, though many renters and workers in the poultry and service industries live well below that line. Harrisonburg-Rockingham County's point-in-time count identified 87 people experiencing homelessness in January 2023, a number outreach workers say undercounts the full picture, especially those doubled up or sleeping in cars. Mercy House and the Open Doors thermal shelter program offer overnight beds and warmth during cold months, while the Salvation Army of Harrisonburg provides meals, clothing, and emergency assistance for those trying to get back on their feet. Church World Service also works locally with refugees and low-income families who need help navigating housing and basic needs. The city's downtown is walkable, and many of these services cluster within a few blocks of each other, which helps when you're tired and don't have a car. You are not invisible here, and there are people in this town who see you and want you to make it through the night.