More About What We Do....

More Detailed Information About What We Do....

OUTREACH: HAT members search for new homeless sites in the thickets, under bridges and in alleyways and respond to reported homeless sightings on a daily basis. The Team conducts shelter and "street sweeps" weekly. "Sweeps" consist of visiting all area emergency shelters to offer assistance to working homeless and others that may not know about HAT services. Street sweeps are conducted weekly from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., or periodically from 5:00 a.m. until 7:00 a.m. to locate persons residing in areas not designed for sleeping.

CASE MANAGEMENT: HAT provides guidance to homeless persons as they work on a service plan to define the cause of homelessness and develop goals, objectives and steps to address those issues. The Team directs clients to supportive services that will best assist them in attaining permanent housing. Case managers who are very familiar with community resources make appropriate referrals.

SUPPORTIVE SERVICES: These services, which are provided by Human Services and other agencies in the community, have served more than 1,800 clients. Clients received counsel for housing and were given transportation, photo ID, food, clothing, prescriptions, financial management counseling and other services.

Homelessness in the Roanoke Valley

The Roanoke Regional Task Force on Homelessness monitors issues facing Roanoke's homeless population. According to the latest survey, each night in the Roanoke Valley, an estimated 311 homeless people reside in emergency shelters, transitional housing facilities, treatment centers, and in other areas not designed for sleeping. The Blue Ridge Continuum of Care outlines services available to address the needs of the homeless, as well as identifies gaps in services that impact the plight of the homeless.

Surveys outlining homelessness in the valley are available on Point in Time Homeless Data from 1989 to 2009.

How Can the Community Help?

Welcome Home Baskets provide necessary household items for persons transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing. Clients in transition have need of the following items:

light bulbs
shower curtains and liners
brooms
all-purpose cleaner
dish soap
dish towels
alarm clock
mop
paper towels
laundry detergent
spray disinfectants

Bedding and towels are frequently needed as well. If you are interested in making a donation, please call (540) 853-1715.

Resources to assist homeless individuals and families in Roanoke include emergency shelters, transitional housing and supportive services. They are as follows:

OVERNIGHT SHELTERS

Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) -- 444-7374 located at 37 E. Clay Street, Salem
The IHN is a multi-denominational network of religious congregations who have joined together to provide shelter for homeless families. The IHN will accept families who are referred by other shelter programs, Social Services, congregations, or human service agencies. Families are carefully screened to insure the safety of other homeless families and congregation volunteers.

Red Shield Lodge -- 343-5335 located at 815 Salem Avenue, SW, Roanoke
Red Shield Lodge is an emergency shelter for males only, sponsored by the Salvation Army. They can accommodate up to 36 individuals during a single night. Men can stay up to 14 days, and then must be out of the shelter for 30 days before they can return for services. Meals are also provided at the shelter for both guests and other homeless persons sleeping outside.

Rescue Mission -- 343-7227 located at 402 Fourth Street, SE, Roanoke
The Rescue Mission is the largest provider of emergency shelter in Roanoke. Its components include a health care center, male recovery program, family and female shelter, and transient male shelter. Supportive services include meals, showers, clothing, and furniture, assistance with prescriptions, recovery program and employment training.

Transitional Living Center (TLC) -- 345-6781 located at 23 24^th Street, NW, Roanoke
TLC is a transitional housing program for families in transition. The center offers comprehensive services to residents, including case management, meals, prescription assistance, transportation, clothing, counseling, life skills training and housing counseling. This facility of operated by Total Action Against Poverty.

TRUST House -- 344-4691 located at 404 Elm Avenue, SW, Roanoke
TRUST is a non-profit organization serving the Roanoke Valley with a mission to provide transitional and emergency shelter to individuals, families and unaccompanied minors, with an emphasis on case management, intervention and referrals.

Turning Point -- 345-0400 located at 815 Salem Avenue, SW, Roanoke
The Turning Point is a domestic violence shelter for female victims and their children sponsored by the Salvation Army. They can house a maximum of 60 women and children. The average length of stay is 60 days. The Salvation Army will provide furnishings and household items from their retail stores for those who transition into permanent housing.

DAY SHELTERS

Roanoke Area Ministries (RAM) -- 345-8850 located at 824 Campbell Avenue, SW, Roanoke
RAM House is a day shelter for homeless individuals and families offering hot lunches, job club, laundry facilities, and mail services. It is open 365 days a year from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. RAM offers a variety of services including emergency financial assistance.

Samaritan Inn -- 343-1447 located at 542-A Salem Avenue, SW, Roanoke
The Samaritan Inn provides lunch and noon-day worship service daily. Volunteers and local religious congregations sponsor the facility.

SERVICES ONLY

Roanoke City Homeless Assistance Team (HAT) -- 853-1715 located at 339 Salem Avenue, SW, Roanoke