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Homeless Assistance Team
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.
In January 2006, the Task Force has identified the following facts and trends facing homeless men, women and children in the Roanoke Valley:
- Top three needs as addressed by participants were: Transportation ( 44%), Health Care (36%), Work (36%).
- 50% have long-term health problems and the majority smoke and/or drink alcohol. More than 73% of medical conditions did not receive needed treatment.
- 57% were employed in seasonal or hourly positions, with an average hourly wage of $6.44.
- 61% have a high school education or GED. Of the 27% that attended college, 29% graduated.
Number of homeless children during survey period was 42.
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:
Day Shelters
Roanoke Area Ministries (RAM), 824 Campbell Avenue, S.W., Roanoke, (540) 345-8850
Samaritan Inn, 543 Salem Avenue, S.W., Roanoke, (540) 343-1447
Emergency Shelters
Roanoke Valley Interfaith Hospitality Network (540) 343-9982
Rescue Mission, 402 4th Street, S. E., Roanoke, (540) 343-7227
Salvation Army Red Shield, 815 Salem Avenue, S. W., Roanoke, (540) 342-7398
Salvation Army Turning Point, 825 Salem Avenue, S. W., Roanoke, (540) 345-0400
Transitional Housing
TRUST, 404 Elm Avenue, S.W., Roanoke, (540) 344-8060
Transitional Living Center, 23 24th Street, S.W., Roanoke, (540) 345-7537
Roanoke Valley Veterans Council, Firebase Hope - (540) 312-7782
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