C-ville Weekly, Dec 1 2022: After purchasing the Red Carpet Inn off Route 29 in Albemarle County last March, the Piedmont Housing Alliance renovated the 40-year-old rundown motel, and transformed it into an emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness, thanks to a $4.25 million grant from the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation. Since the low-barrier shelter—managed by People and Congregations Engaged in Ministry and the Blue Ridge Area Coalition for the Homeless—opened its doors last May, it has provided 177 unhoused people a safe, welcoming place to stay, in addition to meals, clothing, case management, health care, employment assistance, substance abuse treatment, and other necessities and resources.
But in April, the Premier Circle shelter will shut down, and the former motel will be transformed once again into something desperately needed in the Charlottesville area: affordable housing.