Hampton Roads Businesses Offer Free Services, Food to ODU Community

Fitness, yoga, nature, laughs and meals are all being offered for free to students, faculty and staff at ODU to help them cope following the Thursday shooting on campus.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 9:20pm

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Several Norfolk businesses are offering free services and meals to Old Dominion University students in light of Thursday's tragic shooting on campus. Businesses like Latitude Climbing and Fitness, Doug's Hot Dogs, GUD Yoga, Hot House Yoga, Push Comedy Theater, Norfolk SPCA Adoption Center, Virginia Zoo, and Norfolk Botanical Garden are providing free access to their facilities, classes, food, and entertainment to help the ODU community decompress and find comfort during this difficult time.

Why it matters

The shooting at ODU has understandably left the campus community shaken, and these local businesses are stepping up to provide much-needed support and respite. By offering free services and meals, they are helping students, faculty, and staff cope with the trauma and find moments of peace and normalcy.

The details

Latitude Climbing and Fitness is offering free day passes to ODU students through Sunday, allowing them to use the climbing walls, take yoga classes, or just relax and use the Wi-Fi. Doug's Hot Dogs is providing free meals to ODU students through Saturday. GUD Yoga, Hot House Yoga, and Push Comedy Theater are all offering free classes and tickets to ODU affiliates. The Norfolk SPCA Adoption Center is open for ODU community members to spend time with adoptable animals. The Virginia Zoo and Norfolk Botanical Garden are providing free admission. These businesses want to support the ODU community and give them a chance to decompress in the wake of the tragic event.

  • The free offers from businesses are available through Sunday, March 17, 2026.
  • The shooting at ODU occurred on Thursday, March 13, 2026.

The players

Latitude Climbing and Fitness

A fitness and climbing gym with locations in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Hampton that is offering free day passes to ODU students.

Doug's Hot Dogs

A family-owned hot dog restaurant in Norfolk's Ocean View area that is providing free meals to ODU students.

GUD Yoga

A yoga studio on Colley Avenue in Norfolk that is offering free classes to ODU students, faculty, and staff.

Hot House Yoga

A yoga studio in Norfolk's Ghent neighborhood that is opening up its studio for free classes to the ODU community.

Push Comedy Theater

A comedy theater in Norfolk owned by a 2002 ODU alumnus who is offering free tickets to ODU students for an improv competition.

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What they’re saying

“We're offering them a place to exist for a little bit.”

— Jess Wibe, Shift lead at Latitude Climbing and Fitness

“Really we're just offering them a space to decompress, move or climb.”

— Jess Wibe, Shift lead at Latitude Climbing and Fitness

“We figured it'd be nice for them to get away from campus for a little bit, come down, enjoy the beach and enjoy some lunch on us.”

— David Derring, Owner of Doug's Hot Dogs

“We are here to support and hold space for you.”

— Ashley Gudknecht, Owner of GUD Yoga

“If you just want to come out and laugh, we got your back.”

— Bradford McMurran, Owner of Push Comedy Theater and 2002 ODU alumnus

What’s next

The free offers from businesses are available through Sunday, March 17, 2026, to provide support and comfort to the ODU community in the aftermath of the shooting.

The takeaway

These local businesses are demonstrating compassion and community support by offering free services, meals, and entertainment to the ODU students, faculty, and staff who are coping with the trauma of the campus shooting. Their generosity and willingness to provide a safe space for healing and respite is a heartwarming example of how a community can come together in times of crisis.