Getting Help

Making Homes Warmer, Safer, Drier, and Healthier

Man using a level tool on wooden beams outdoors.

About Our Services

ESVA Housing Mission offers a wide variety of basic construction and home repair services that complement the skill sets of our volunteers. In addition to wheelchair ramps, we also perform critical home repair to help our clients be Warmer, Safer, and Drier.

What to Expect

Volunteer Teams: Every project is performed by an all-volunteer team that has pledged to "Give A Day" to help a neighbor like you! Teams come to us from churches, schools, businesses, government offices, and other organizations. They have varying skill levels and may be comprised of adults, youth, or a combination of both.

The Process:

  • Referral:
    Our clients are identified as living below the poverty level and are referred to us by case managers from local community organizations.
  • First Visit:
    When your case is prioritized by these agencies, we will visit you. We want to hear your story! We will also take pictures of you, your residence, and the project site.
  • Preparation:
    Approximately 2 weeks from the project start date, your case manager will contact you to arrange a time for us to visit again so you can meet the volunteer team leader and discuss plans. Please note that you may be asked to move any objects that prohibit construction prior to the start of the project.
People working on a construction project assembling wooden frames.
Sign promoting Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital's community care.

On the Day of the Project

  • We ask that you be present and interact with the volunteer team—this is an important part of the experience for our volunteers!
  • Expect that the volunteers may need to drink your water and use your bathroom.
  • We will need to use your power outlets for our tools.

Important Safety Rules

All alcohol must be stored out of sight, firearms must be safely stored in a locked container, and no drugs other than those prescribed to the residents are permitted on the premises. No one under the age of 18 is allowed to work without proper supervision or parental consent. 

Where am I on the waiting list?

The demand for our services is rapidly increasing due to the growing aging population and the number of those in need. We typically have over 35 on the waiting list at any given time, and it may take weeks to months before we are able to address your project.

We meet with agency case managers monthly to prioritize the referrals, making certain that we are serving those with the greatest need first. You will be contacted by your case manager approximately 30 days prior to the date that we are able to start your project. Until then, please know we have not forgotten about you.

A group of people gathered outdoors, engaging in conversation and sharing a moment.

Eastern Shore Resources

If you are in need of assistance, please contact one of our agency partners:

Eastern Shore Agency of Aging/Community Action Agency

(includes Meals on Wheels, VICAP)

Eastern Shore Centers for Independent Living

Accomack County Department of Social Services

Northampton County Department of Social Services

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