On Our Own of Charlottesville

12/29/2025

Habari Gani?

Ujamaa!

It's the 4th day of , and today's principle is Cooperative Economics. Did you know "Kawaida" is the philosophy of cultural nationalism that forms the basis for the development of Kwanzaa? More: nmaahc.si.edu/kwanzaa

📸 Photographic print of Johnny Gator's barbershop. Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Charles A. Harris and Beatrice Harris in memory of Charles "Teenie" Harris, © Carnegie Museum of Art, Charles "Teenie" Harris Archive.

12/28/2025

Habari Gani?

Ujima!

Today's 3rd principle of means Collective Work and Responsibility. How are you embracing the third principle of Kwanzaa?

Join us for a virtual Kwanzaa celebration: nmaahc.si.edu/kwanzaa

📸 Untitled. Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Devin Allen, © Devin Allen.

12/27/2025

Habari Gani?

Kujichagulia!

’s theme colors reflect the Pan-African movement: black for the people, red for the struggle, and green for the future and hope that comes from struggle: nmaahc.si.edu/kwanzaa.

📸 Pinback button promoting "Black Power". Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

12/26/2025

Habari Gani?

Umoja!

Today is the 1st day of , a 7-day African American and Pan-African holiday founded in 1966 that celebrates history, values, family, community, and culture. Join our museum's virtual Kwanzaa celebration: https://nmaahc.si.edu/kwanzaa

📸 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Other Civil Rights Leaders on Highway 80, Selma to Montgomery March. Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Monica Karales and the Estate of James Karales, © Estate of James Karales. Karales and the Estate of James Karales, © Estate of James Karales.

12/24/2025

The need for peer support doesn’t take holidays off, so neither do we! We’ll be open on Christmas Eve for our regular Wednesday hours from noon to 5! Stop by for social time, pantry, snacks, and our regular Wednesday groups:

Chronic Pain (zoom) 12-1
Peer Support (zoom) 3-4
Peer Support (house) 3-4
Q***r Support (zoom) 6-7

We’ll be open Christmas Day, too! Stop by for social time, pantry, snacks from 11-4. You’re invited to join us for our FREE and delicious community meal from 1-2:30. Regular groups are cancelled while we all spend time in community.

All are welcome!

12/21/2025

We are heartbroken over the devastating loss of so many community members who died or were killed while experiencing homelessness. Each of the people we've lost deserved safety, health care, a safe place to retreat to and lay their head at night, and their humanity to be honored.

This Homeless Persons' Memorial Day, we demand safety nets that prevent homelessness and care for people experiencing homelessness and its many impacts right now. Houseless folks are our neighbors and community members, and we must stand up alongside each other. Take action with our friends at the National Health Care for the Homeless Council: bit.ly/HUDActionAlert

12/20/2025

"Each name we read and remember today represents a life," Shayla Washington, executive director of the Blue Ridge Area Coalition for the Homeless, said in her opening remarks at The Haven day shelter Thursday night. "A person who laughed, hoped, struggled, and mattered."

12/19/2025

"Each name we read and remember today represents a life," Shayla Washington, executive director of the Blue Ridge Area Coalition for the Homeless, said in her opening remarks on Thursday, Dec. 18. "A person who laughed, hoped, struggled, and mattered."

12/19/2025

Happy Holidays and BIG thank you to The Fountain Fund and all our community partners!
Here’s our amazing Cyndi Richardson (she’s also a board member of The Fountain Fund) and Martize Tolbert at the recent Fountain Fund holiday party.

Thanks for all your important work in our community! We’re proud to participate in One Stop Shop Cville!

12/18/2025

12/17/2025

Thanks to our Executive Director Eli Bouldin-Clopton for their special holiday message to our community. As always, you lead with empowerment and belief:

“As 2025 draws to a close, we are reminded that real change begins with people who care, and this community has shown, again and again, what is possible when compassion meets action.

This year, because of your belief in our mission, doors were opened, voices were heard, and hope reached places it might not have otherwise. Each life touched represents more than a moment of support; it reflects a shared commitment to dignity, opportunity, and a brighter future for all.

The holiday season invites us to pause and reflect on the light we bring to one another. Even in challenging times, your generosity, perseverance, and heart for this work have been a steady source of that light in our community.

As we look ahead to the new year, we do so with gratitude for how far we’ve come and inspiration for what lies ahead. Together, we will continue to build a recovery community, deepen our impact, and create lasting change.

Thank you for being part of this journey and for believing in the power of community. Our members and guests, staff, board, supporters and donors work together, and we are filled with gratitude for the contributions each has made.

Wishing you a season filled with hope, peace, and renewed purpose, and a New Year full of possibility.”

With gratitude,

Eli Bouldin-Clopton
Executive Director