2023 Newsletter: January
01/31/2023
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
2022 YEAR IN REVIEW
Thanks to our amazing band of supporters, throughout 2022 The Least of These Ministry served our unsheltered friends in many ways. From showers, laundry, and lunch at the TLOT headquarters in Roanoke to meeting needs on the streets via the mobile outreach vehicle. To see our 2022 Year in Review, click here!
MEETING NEEDS
Another new year is upon us and TLOT continues to press on in service to Roanoke's unsheltered community.
The warming bus came out of hibernation in November and has been in use most of December and into January. It is available to our unsheltered friends on nights when it is 40 degrees or colder and sees as many as 22 homeless friends each night. Check out this news story from WDBJ about the warming bus.
With help from the TLOT Village, TLOT housed 5 people since our last report in November. Our sweet friend Alaysia (left) was housed in plenty of time before her first baby arrives in April. She served our country in the military but found herself living in her car. Her dad is currently serving in the military and is stationed in Germany. ((Let us know if you feel led to help with baby items!))
We continue to see as many as 40 people for showers and laundry services each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. During these winter months, our unsheltered friends also find respite from the cold weather on these days.
The warming bus came out of hibernation in November and has been in use most of December and into January. It is available to our unsheltered friends on nights when it is 40 degrees or colder and sees as many as 22 homeless friends each night. Check out this news story from WDBJ about the warming bus.
With help from the TLOT Village, TLOT housed 5 people since our last report in November. Our sweet friend Alaysia (left) was housed in plenty of time before her first baby arrives in April. She served our country in the military but found herself living in her car. Her dad is currently serving in the military and is stationed in Germany. ((Let us know if you feel led to help with baby items!))
We continue to see as many as 40 people for showers and laundry services each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. During these winter months, our unsheltered friends also find respite from the cold weather on these days.
MISSION MOMENTS
Our sweet friend Carrie has been heard around the TLOT headquarters explaining the benefits of the warming bus.
“TLOT has helped me so much. They have a warming bus. Plus, they give out lockers. It means a whole lot to me. Thank you, Ms. Dawn!” – Carrie
Our sweet friend Carrie has been heard around the TLOT headquarters explaining the benefits of the warming bus.
“TLOT has helped me so much. They have a warming bus. Plus, they give out lockers. It means a whole lot to me. Thank you, Ms. Dawn!” – Carrie
INTRODUCING LOVING LUNCHES
TLOT is now welcoming support from the community to provide "Loving Lunches" to our unsheltered friends on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Volunteers are invited to purchase/prepare enough food for 40 people and deliver to the TLOT headquarters on Luck Avenue by 12:00 noon. Through these "loving lunches," our friends will be able to enjoy their meal while they wait for their turn to take a shower. If you're interested in signing up for a day to drop off lunch, fill out our Google form using this link.
This new way for the community to be involved will replace Thankful Thursdays.
This new way for the community to be involved will replace Thankful Thursdays.
FUTURE VISION
TLOT has a dream to build a tiny house village in Roanoke!
There are many reasons why people find themselves homeless. Oftentimes, they suffer from mental health issues or other concerns which prevent them from staying in the local shelters. To address this, TLOT would love to find land in close proximity to downtown Roanoke that could accommodate several small structures big enough for one person. These tiny homes can offer safety, warmth, and privacy.
Check out this link to read more about the benefits of tiny houses for the homeless and how they are working in Olympia, Washington. Will you join us in prayer for such an opportunity to manifest itself in this area?
There are many reasons why people find themselves homeless. Oftentimes, they suffer from mental health issues or other concerns which prevent them from staying in the local shelters. To address this, TLOT would love to find land in close proximity to downtown Roanoke that could accommodate several small structures big enough for one person. These tiny homes can offer safety, warmth, and privacy.
Check out this link to read more about the benefits of tiny houses for the homeless and how they are working in Olympia, Washington. Will you join us in prayer for such an opportunity to manifest itself in this area?
BUZZ 4 GOOD
Thanks to a generous donation from a local foundation, TLOT has been selected as a charity to be highlighted on Buzz 4 Good!
As a result of their work, a feature about the ministry will air on Blue Ridge PBS this spring. In addition, they will connect us with a local digital marketing firm to help us spread awareness about our mission.
Stay tuned for more information!
As a result of their work, a feature about the ministry will air on Blue Ridge PBS this spring. In addition, they will connect us with a local digital marketing firm to help us spread awareness about our mission.
Stay tuned for more information!
TLOT IN THE NEWS
Community forum discusses future of homelessness and affordable housing in Roanoke
TLOT's Executive Director Dawn Sandoval went to a community meeting about homelessness and talked about the idea of building a tiny house village.
Warming bus helps people in need this winter
“We’re just trying to give people an opportunity to live until there’s some type of breakthrough in their circumstances."
TLOT's Executive Director Dawn Sandoval went to a community meeting about homelessness and talked about the idea of building a tiny house village.
Warming bus helps people in need this winter
“We’re just trying to give people an opportunity to live until there’s some type of breakthrough in their circumstances."
6TH ANNUAL HUSTLE FOR THE HOMELESS
The Hustle is back! Join us for the 6th annual Hustle for the Homeless 5K! Run or walk the 3.1-mile course as it twists and turns through some of downtown Roanoke's most well-known streets. Race for awards or walk with friends and family while fighting homelessness. This event is crucial to the development of our ministry. We hope to see you there!
The Least of These Ministry is a 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. This is only possible through the continued support of our village in the way of financial contributions, donated items, volunteering, and prayers. 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