The Norfolk Homeless Shelter, also known as The Center, stemmed from the Norfolk Emergency Shelter Team (NEST). NEST was a group of churches that would take turns providing shelter and food for the homeless during the winter months.

In May of 2021 The Urban Renewal Center, along with the City of Norfolk, partnered to open a temporary tent shelter at the old Greyhound bus station off Granby and Brambleton. Since then, Manna Ministry has been delivering food, drinks and any clothing/hygiene items weekly.

In October 2021 The Center moved to a new location, formerly the Budget Motel located at 1050 Tidewater Drive. They are currently equipped to host 100 individuals.

“We believe in treating everyone with grace and letting them know this is a place they can have a emergency residency,” said Mariam Mhanna, volunteer shift lead. “This is their stepping stone – we want them to eventually move to a more appropriate permanent home.”

The Center provides a bed, food, clothing needs and a part-time case manager to assist their residents with applying for additional services.

Manna volunteers continue to deliver to The Center every Saturday morning. Their current needs are bottled water, individually packaged food supplies, snacks, soups, Ramen Noodles, underwear for both men and women, hygiene items and shower shoes.

“We are always very grateful for (Manna Ministry) and how committed they are,” Mariam said. “It’s such a joy and so refreshing. It is a contestant blessing.”