Social Services

Communication for Public


The Department of Social Services at 1510 Williamson Road NE, Third Floor, is open to the general public Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4 pm. We strongly encourage customers who are not fully vaccinated to wear a mask and one will be provided for you in our lobby. Hand sanitizing stations are available at the entrance to our lobby. Customers who are able to conduct business with the department by phone or online are encouraged to do so. Verifications, forms, and requests for follow up telephone contact should be submitted by mail, electronic communication, or left in the department drop box located just off the elevator on the 3rd floor at 1510 Williamson Road NE between 8 am and 5 pm. You may apply for benefits online at https://commonhelp.virginia.gov, by phone at 1-855-635-4370, or for Medical Assistance only at 1-855-242-8282 (TDD: 1-888-221-1590). For replacement EBT card, you may call 1-866-281-2448 to have the card mailed to you by the EBT vendor. To have the card mailed to you from the department’s issuance office or arrange to pick up a card in person, please contact your worker. Citizens may reach staff by contacting their worker via e-mail or by phone. If you do not know your worker’s name, you may call the agency switchboard at 853-2591. Child Protective Service and Adult Protective Services referrals can be made by calling our hotline at 853-2245.


Mission/Vision

The Mission of the Department of Social Services is to help the citizens of our Community achieve a realistic and attainable level of self-sufficiency within a safe, healthy environment. We will accomplish this by using our strengths and resources in a caring, professional manner, while providing a network of protection, support, and temporary financial assistance.


Responsibility

The Department of Social Services provides a wide array of mandated and non-mandated services to the citizens of Roanoke. These services include a network of protective, supportive, and temporary financial services that assist citizens with achieving a realistic and attainable level of self-sufficiency. These services include Benefit (Eligibility) Programs, Service Programs, Employment Services, and Training Services.


Additional Contact Information

  • Gwendolyn Coleman, Director of Human/Social Services:  540-853-2894
  • Lindsey Campbell, Benefit Program Manager:  540-853-2704
  • Social Work Manager:  540-853-2427
  • Meredith Burger, Human Services Business Administrator:  540-853-2181