2020 newsletter: january
1/27/20
"You know what is worse than sleeping in a tent and braving the cold every day? The way that people treat us. They look down their noses at us, as if we are less than them." -Roanoke Homeless Friend
Because of your support ...
This month, TLOT was able to assist a gentleman, who had been homeless for nine years, find permanent housing. Thankfully, he went from sleeping outdoors in a tent to sleeping in his own home!
While out in the ministry truck, TLOT identified a homeless woman who was outdoors attempting to endure the cold weather with only a light blanket. Through the support of this village, we were able to provide her with a sleeping bag, some warm winter weather gear and food to help her get through the cold.
We came into contract with a married couple who recently found themselves homeless after being laid off. The wife is six months pregnant. Thanks to the support of this community, we were able to place them in a hotel room for several nights and provide them with food.
Additionally, we were blessed with the opportunity to assist a 60 year old man, who suffered with homelessness for 5 months obtain housing!
With help from our faithful TLOT supporters, we will continue working with these homeless friends (and more!) as needed.
This month, TLOT was able to assist a gentleman, who had been homeless for nine years, find permanent housing. Thankfully, he went from sleeping outdoors in a tent to sleeping in his own home!
While out in the ministry truck, TLOT identified a homeless woman who was outdoors attempting to endure the cold weather with only a light blanket. Through the support of this village, we were able to provide her with a sleeping bag, some warm winter weather gear and food to help her get through the cold.
We came into contract with a married couple who recently found themselves homeless after being laid off. The wife is six months pregnant. Thanks to the support of this community, we were able to place them in a hotel room for several nights and provide them with food.
Additionally, we were blessed with the opportunity to assist a 60 year old man, who suffered with homelessness for 5 months obtain housing!
With help from our faithful TLOT supporters, we will continue working with these homeless friends (and more!) as needed.
Hotels on a cold night!
We placed 21 of our homeless friends in motel rooms for three of the coldest nights in January. Thanks to an awesome volunteer, we were also able to provide them with dinner! If you feel led to help us prepare for more cold nights this winter, you can donate via our ministry PayPal.
Hustle for the Homeless
We're seeking runners and walkers! The Hustle for the Homeless 5K & Family Fun Run/Walk is an annual fundraising event that boasts a unique out-and-back route while touring the streets of Downtown Roanoke and passing several historical landmarks along the way. Don't miss the early bird registration fee!!
Message from TLOT Founder, Dawn Sandoval:
You want to know one of the most difficult aspects of serving our homeless friends? Driving away. It is so hard to leave them behind knowing that they are going to be spending the night out in the elements...in a tent, under a bridge, on an abandoned porch, at an outdoor bus shelter, or in a doorway, while we head to our warm homes with soft beds and kitchen cabinets stocked with food. This population is often viewed by the public as ‘less than’ or as ‘reaping the consequences of their poor choices’ or labeled as lazy or an addict. Yet those that perceive them as such may not take into account their real stories. Their trauma. Their grief. Their loss. In whatever light you may personally view them, I will leave you with this: Homelessness is like that warning at the bottom of our cars’ side view mirror... it could be closer than it appears. Never think it can’t happen to you. I can bet you that those that are suffering with homelessness never thought it could happen to them.
We placed 21 of our homeless friends in motel rooms for three of the coldest nights in January. Thanks to an awesome volunteer, we were also able to provide them with dinner! If you feel led to help us prepare for more cold nights this winter, you can donate via our ministry PayPal.
Hustle for the Homeless
We're seeking runners and walkers! The Hustle for the Homeless 5K & Family Fun Run/Walk is an annual fundraising event that boasts a unique out-and-back route while touring the streets of Downtown Roanoke and passing several historical landmarks along the way. Don't miss the early bird registration fee!!
Message from TLOT Founder, Dawn Sandoval:
You want to know one of the most difficult aspects of serving our homeless friends? Driving away. It is so hard to leave them behind knowing that they are going to be spending the night out in the elements...in a tent, under a bridge, on an abandoned porch, at an outdoor bus shelter, or in a doorway, while we head to our warm homes with soft beds and kitchen cabinets stocked with food. This population is often viewed by the public as ‘less than’ or as ‘reaping the consequences of their poor choices’ or labeled as lazy or an addict. Yet those that perceive them as such may not take into account their real stories. Their trauma. Their grief. Their loss. In whatever light you may personally view them, I will leave you with this: Homelessness is like that warning at the bottom of our cars’ side view mirror... it could be closer than it appears. Never think it can’t happen to you. I can bet you that those that are suffering with homelessness never thought it could happen to them.
How You Can Help in 2020
Click here to see our 2019 Year in Review!
- Host a Thankful Thursday
- Sign up for the Hustle for the Homeless
- Donate money
- Share our Facebook posts!
Click here to see our 2019 Year in Review!