2020 Newsletter: MAy
5/29/2020
"It’s a God-send. Because I don’t like to be dirty...Every opportunity I have to take a shower and wash…that makes me feel human. It doesn’t make me feel special. It just makes me feel normal." -Homeless Friend Dennis Johnson
Clean Machine!!
In coordination with the Virginia Baptist Disaster Relief, we have been blessed with the opportunity to set up a 4-stall shower truck at Belmont Baptist Church to serve our homeless friends throughout the remainder of this pandemic.
Twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12:00 noon, these showers are available for anyone in need.
Because of this pandemic, many of our friends have not had an opportunity to shower in 45 days or more.
Thanks to the TLOT Village, we have not only been able to provide showers, but we also have the opportunity to offer our guests bath towels, wash cloths, clean under clothes, socks, and all hygiene items. In addition, we will pay to launder our guests' clothes at the laundromat which is less than two blocks from the church.
We are beyond grateful for the assistance of several of our city leaders that worked alongside us to make this possible!
If you are interested in volunteering, please let us know!
In coordination with the Virginia Baptist Disaster Relief, we have been blessed with the opportunity to set up a 4-stall shower truck at Belmont Baptist Church to serve our homeless friends throughout the remainder of this pandemic.
Twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12:00 noon, these showers are available for anyone in need.
Because of this pandemic, many of our friends have not had an opportunity to shower in 45 days or more.
Thanks to the TLOT Village, we have not only been able to provide showers, but we also have the opportunity to offer our guests bath towels, wash cloths, clean under clothes, socks, and all hygiene items. In addition, we will pay to launder our guests' clothes at the laundromat which is less than two blocks from the church.
We are beyond grateful for the assistance of several of our city leaders that worked alongside us to make this possible!
If you are interested in volunteering, please let us know!
THIS is Why!!
One day this month, as we were on the streets serving lunches to our homeless friends in downtown Roanoke, a young man pulled his car over, exited, and introduced himself as Ralph*. He offered us a cash donation while sharing his story about how he used to be homeless. He explained that a struggle with drug addiction caused his circumstances and he remembered how the TLOT Ministry team engaged him and assisted with some of his basic needs from Mercy Grace, our faithful ministry truck.
Ralph is now sober, housed, and employed. He is also attending college for graphic design. As he handed us his donation he said, “You helped me and I just wanted to give back!” This is why we exist!
*Ralph gave us his permission to share his story and his photo.
One day this month, as we were on the streets serving lunches to our homeless friends in downtown Roanoke, a young man pulled his car over, exited, and introduced himself as Ralph*. He offered us a cash donation while sharing his story about how he used to be homeless. He explained that a struggle with drug addiction caused his circumstances and he remembered how the TLOT Ministry team engaged him and assisted with some of his basic needs from Mercy Grace, our faithful ministry truck.
Ralph is now sober, housed, and employed. He is also attending college for graphic design. As he handed us his donation he said, “You helped me and I just wanted to give back!” This is why we exist!
*Ralph gave us his permission to share his story and his photo.
Thank YOU TLOT Village!!
Thanks to the TLOT Village, in the month of May, we:
Thanks to the TLOT Village, in the month of May, we:
- Served over 1500 lunches with the help of countless volunteers like the Howitt family (pictured).
- Served approximately 350 dinners to our homeless friends.
- Assisted 3 homeless friends in securing permanent housing!
- Provided mobile showers for our unsheltered friends.
TLOT in the News
Did you see us in the news? WFXR Living Local aired a great story on The Least of These. If you haven’t seen it yet, click here!
Helpful Grants
This May, we received three grants!! Special thanks to VIA Insurance Agency and Erie Insurance, the Allstate Foundation, and the Louise R. Lester Foundation for becoming a part of the TLOT Village and supporting us with one of their grants. We are so grateful for the community's continued support. If you know of any available community grants that we might benefit from, please let us know!
Ways to Help
If you would like to support TLOT and the continuing work we are committed to providing for the area’s homeless population:
5k to Fight Homelessness
Join us for the third annual Hustle for the Homeless 5K & Family Fun Run/Walk! Run or walk the 3.1-mile course on August 22nd! Race for awards or walk with friends and family while fighting homelessness.
Did you see us in the news? WFXR Living Local aired a great story on The Least of These. If you haven’t seen it yet, click here!
Helpful Grants
This May, we received three grants!! Special thanks to VIA Insurance Agency and Erie Insurance, the Allstate Foundation, and the Louise R. Lester Foundation for becoming a part of the TLOT Village and supporting us with one of their grants. We are so grateful for the community's continued support. If you know of any available community grants that we might benefit from, please let us know!
Ways to Help
If you would like to support TLOT and the continuing work we are committed to providing for the area’s homeless population:
- Pray for us as we continue to provide meals and housing assistance to our unsheltered friends.
- Donations can be made using the "Learn More" button on our Facebook page; on our website; or click here for our PayPal Link.
- Make some sandwiches! We serve lunch to about 50 homeless friends every day. Contact us for the next available date.
- Purchase items on our Amazon Wish List!
- Follow us online and stay connected with the ministry's most recent updates and urgent needs.
5k to Fight Homelessness
Join us for the third annual Hustle for the Homeless 5K & Family Fun Run/Walk! Run or walk the 3.1-mile course on August 22nd! Race for awards or walk with friends and family while fighting homelessness.
Click to Register!