2022 Newsletter: October
10/03/2022
Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. -Matthew 25:4
MEETING NEEDS
Showers, lunches, lockers, laundry, helping people find jobs, Thankful Thursdays...It has been busier than ever around the TLOT headquarters! We also hosted our 3rd Annual Dining with Dignity on September 10th! Busy stuff, but good stuff!
The number of people who utilize the ministry building for showers and laundry on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays continues to average to about 30 per day. Due to the increase in the number of individuals we are serving, we expanded our seating area to allow our guests to spread out. We are blessed to be able to continue offering lunch and refreshments while they wait.
Despite a tough housing market, we continue to work hard to assist our unsheltered friends secure permanent housing. We have also provided furniture and household items for 24 people who have overcome homelessness!
After some costly ministry truck repairs, TLOT continues to tour the streets of Roanoke to serve our unsheltered friends 3 nights a week.
The number of people who utilize the ministry building for showers and laundry on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays continues to average to about 30 per day. Due to the increase in the number of individuals we are serving, we expanded our seating area to allow our guests to spread out. We are blessed to be able to continue offering lunch and refreshments while they wait.
Despite a tough housing market, we continue to work hard to assist our unsheltered friends secure permanent housing. We have also provided furniture and household items for 24 people who have overcome homelessness!
After some costly ministry truck repairs, TLOT continues to tour the streets of Roanoke to serve our unsheltered friends 3 nights a week.
MISSION MOMENTS
With permission to share his story, Jesse has been a friend of TLOT for most of 2022. Without a reason to stay in his hometown in Tennessee, he arrived in Roanoke earlier this year by train. While addiction has plagued Jesse, he desires to get his life in order. He is making use of the resources available to him at TLOT.
"I have a locker that I use to store my stuff in, and I come here to take showers sometimes."
With Dawn's help, Jesse found employment working the night shift at a local shipping company. Sometimes it's hard for him to find a place to sleep, but he remains hopeful for an improved life. With a few more paychecks in the bank, he looks forward to getting an efficiency apartment in the near future.
"I have a locker that I use to store my stuff in, and I come here to take showers sometimes."
With Dawn's help, Jesse found employment working the night shift at a local shipping company. Sometimes it's hard for him to find a place to sleep, but he remains hopeful for an improved life. With a few more paychecks in the bank, he looks forward to getting an efficiency apartment in the near future.
DINING WITH DIGNITY
Despite lots of rain and less than favorable conditions, we hosted the third Annual "Dining with Dignity" on September 10. We were blessed with the opportunity to provide our unsheltered friends an amazing dining experience including an assortment of delectable donated food and desserts.
“As I reflect on this event, I am reminded that our unsheltered friends withstand adverse weather on a daily basis,” explained TLOT Founder and Executive Director Dawn Sandoval. “Who am I to complain about being wet for ONE day when I am blessed with access to a home with a hot shower, dry clothes and a warm bed to sleep in?”
Thank you to every person that served, provided desserts or contributed in any way to the Dining with Dignity!
Special thanks to the following donors for the food and flower arrangements:
“As I reflect on this event, I am reminded that our unsheltered friends withstand adverse weather on a daily basis,” explained TLOT Founder and Executive Director Dawn Sandoval. “Who am I to complain about being wet for ONE day when I am blessed with access to a home with a hot shower, dry clothes and a warm bed to sleep in?”
Thank you to every person that served, provided desserts or contributed in any way to the Dining with Dignity!
Special thanks to the following donors for the food and flower arrangements:
- Carrabba's Italian Grill
- Tizzone Wood-Fired Kitchen & Wine Bar
- Outback Steakhouse
- George's Flowers
- Bayou Snowballs
- @MsCaffys House
TLOT IN THE NEWS
The Deep Blue Ridge: Man who was once homeless is now thriving, working for organization that rescued him
Because of his PTSD, you will likely find Josh Haley working in TLOT’s pantry organizing donations
The Deep Blue Ridge: Roanoke woman doesn’t allow her mental illness to stop her passion for serving people experiencing homelessness
Dawn Sandoval worked in the medical industry for years before resigning to serve full-time in her ministry
Because of his PTSD, you will likely find Josh Haley working in TLOT’s pantry organizing donations
The Deep Blue Ridge: Roanoke woman doesn’t allow her mental illness to stop her passion for serving people experiencing homelessness
Dawn Sandoval worked in the medical industry for years before resigning to serve full-time in her ministry
MINISTRY NEEDS
We are in need of volunteers to serve at our ministry building on Mondays, Wednesdays, and/or Fridays from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM, email us.
We are also looking for lunch donations on the days that the building is open to our guests. Email us, If you are interested in preparing lunch for about 30 people and delivering to our building at 422 Luck Ave SW, Roanoke.
Lastly, as we gear up for the falling temperatures, we are in need of cold weather gear and non-perishable food items. Please take a look at our Amazon needs list here!
We are also looking for lunch donations on the days that the building is open to our guests. Email us, If you are interested in preparing lunch for about 30 people and delivering to our building at 422 Luck Ave SW, Roanoke.
Lastly, as we gear up for the falling temperatures, we are in need of cold weather gear and non-perishable food items. Please take a look at our Amazon needs list here!
DEAR FAITHFUL DONORS: THANK YOU!
We are overwhelmed by the generous financial support of our donors and recurring supporters! It is because of YOU that we are able to continue to serve our homeless friends and we want to show our sincere appreciation for you!
If you are a regular monthly donor that utilizes PayPal or checks, we would like to offer you a COMPLIMENTARY TLOT *t-shirt! Email us at [email protected] and we will arrange delivery of your exclusive TLOT gear!
If you aren't a monthly giver but would like to enroll, sign up by October 31 to receive your TLOT shirt. Visit our PayPal donor page, enter a dollar amount, and check the box that says "Make this a monthly donation."
*TLOT has different t-shirt sizes and colors available. Donors who can be verified as a monthly contributor should reach out to us so we can arrange pick up or delivery of your best fit!
If you are a regular monthly donor that utilizes PayPal or checks, we would like to offer you a COMPLIMENTARY TLOT *t-shirt! Email us at [email protected] and we will arrange delivery of your exclusive TLOT gear!
If you aren't a monthly giver but would like to enroll, sign up by October 31 to receive your TLOT shirt. Visit our PayPal donor page, enter a dollar amount, and check the box that says "Make this a monthly donation."
*TLOT has different t-shirt sizes and colors available. Donors who can be verified as a monthly contributor should reach out to us so we can arrange pick up or delivery of your best fit!
The Least of These Ministry is a gap ministry that strives to make a positive difference in the lives of the homeless community in the Roanoke Valley. Its mission is to meet men and women living on the streets and serve them with spiritual, physical, and emotional support in the name of Jesus Christ. This is only possible because of the continued support we receive from our village in the way of financial donations, donated items, volunteering, and prayer. Thank you for being a part of our village!
The Least of These Ministry, 602 Marshall Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24016
The Least of These Ministry, 602 Marshall Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24016