Ribbon Cutting Celebrates Opening of Miriam’s House Family Shelter
February 12 marked a milestone moment for our community. Friends, partners, supporters, and neighbors gathered at 409 Magnolia Street to celebrate the ribbon cutting of our newest program—an emergency family shelter offering safety, dignity, and a pathway home for families experiencing homelessness.
This moment represents more than the opening of a building. It represents months of listening, planning, and collaboration. It represents a promise: when families in our community face crisis, they will not face it alone.
Sarah Quarantotto, MH Exec. Director & Michael Gillette, MH Board President
Why This Shelter Matters
For more than 30 years, Miriam’s House has evolved to meet the challenges of homelessness in Central Virginia. As the number of families experiencing unsheltered homelessness has risen, so has the urgency to act.
This shelter fills a critical gap. Families who were previously sleeping in cars, abandoned buildings, or unsafe spaces will now have immediate access to safe shelter, private family units, and on-site supportive services that help them move quickly into permanent housing. Our housing-focused approach ensures that shelter is not an endpoint—it is a bridge to stability.
Executive Director Sarah Quarantotto shared during the ceremony: “This shelter represents hope, safety, and a fresh start for families during one of the most challenging moments of their lives.”
Board President Dr. Michael Gillette emphasized the importance of community partnership in making the project possible, noting that Miriam’s House continues to use its strong foundation to grow and adapt to meet the needs of our community.
Designed with Families in Mind
This shelter was intentionally created to support both parents and children during crisis. Families stay together in private units, each with their own bathroom, offering dignity and stability during a difficult time.
Kristen Nolen, MH Director of Housing Services
On-site case management will connect parents to employment, childcare, healthcare, and housing resources. Shelter is only the first step. Most families will stay 3 – 4 weeks while our team works to with them to secure safe, permanent housing and supports them as they begin to rebuild their lives.
We anticipate serving approximately 45 families each year, moving them quickly and efficiently into homes of their own and creating space for the next family in crisis.
Director of Housing Services Kristen Nolen shared: “We believe—deeply and unapologetically—that every person deserves the dignity and safety of a home. You are helping build that future, one family at a time.”
A Community Effort
This shelter exists because of bold generosity and collaboration.
We are deeply grateful to our funders, donors, volunteers, Consumer Advisory Council, Continuum of Care partners, staff, and every community member who helped bring this vision to life. The celebration was a reminder that ending family homelessness is not one organization’s work—it is community work.
What Happens Next
As we begin welcoming families, providing care, and helping parents and children return quickly and successfully to homes of their own, we invite you to continue being part of this story.
You can support the shelter in tangible ways:
Donate essential items so families are welcomed with clean bedding, toiletries, and supplies that help them feel cared for from day one
Volunteer to prepare a unit, cook a meal, or create a welcoming space for a new family
Make a financial gift to sustain shelter operations and supportive services in the year ahead
Partner with us as a landlord or employment partner to help families secure housing and income
Every action helps ensure that when a family faces crisis, our community responds with care. Thank you for standing with us.
