2023 Newsletter: OCTOBER
10/04/2023
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
MEETING NEEDS
The needs of our homeless community continue to grow! This summer, the demand for improved hygiene increased as the temperatures got warmer, making our showers, washing machines, and dryers work harder than ever before!
One day this summer, we welcomed more than 90 unsheltered friends for showers and/or laundry services! They were all provided lunch too!!
Thanks to our amazing TLOT Village's support, we could feed each friend on the days we were open despite the unexpectedly high numbers! We also fulfilled most of their personal care needs (clothes, backpacks, deodorant, razors, etc.) as well.
One day this summer, we welcomed more than 90 unsheltered friends for showers and/or laundry services! They were all provided lunch too!!
Thanks to our amazing TLOT Village's support, we could feed each friend on the days we were open despite the unexpectedly high numbers! We also fulfilled most of their personal care needs (clothes, backpacks, deodorant, razors, etc.) as well.
Amber is one of our friends who sometimes visits the TLOT facility for services. During a recent conversation, she shared that there are many challenges to living on the streets, especially for women. For that reason, she is thankful for TLOT as it is a “safe haven” for her three days a week. Join us in prayer for her as she strives to improve her circumstances.
MISSION MOMENTS
Since our last update in June, TLOT has assisted two people in securing permanent housing. In addition, we helped several individuals who moved into permanent housing with donated furniture and other household goods.
With help from our village, TLOT had the opportunity to house the sweetest and most humble veteran. She served our country for six years in the Air Force. Upon discharge, returning to civilian life proved to be a challenge and she found herself homeless. After living in her car for a year and a half, she was literally in tears when she turned the key in the door to her new home!
With help from our village, TLOT had the opportunity to house the sweetest and most humble veteran. She served our country for six years in the Air Force. Upon discharge, returning to civilian life proved to be a challenge and she found herself homeless. After living in her car for a year and a half, she was literally in tears when she turned the key in the door to her new home!
DINING WITH DIGNITY
TLOT hosted its 4th annual “Dining with Dignity” event on September 23rd at Elmwood Park Amphitheater in downtown Roanoke. This event was an opportunity for our homeless friends to enjoy a delicious dinner with homemade desserts, and offer them a reprieve from their circumstances. Many volunteers turned out to serve our guests, despite the rain, and we were blessed to serve almost 100 people! The menu consisted of baked ziti, chicken alfredo, roast beef, and barbecue chicken provided by several local restaurants. Desserts were provided by several businesses and individuals from this amazing community and included items such as cheesecake, various cakes and pies, banana pudding, cupcakes, and cookies.
As an act of unity, our homeless friends joined our volunteers and randomly placed their handprints on a canvas. The finished handprint artwork symbolizes that we are all human beings regardless of our circumstances, and we should be treated with dignity and respect!
Special thanks to our donors for helping to make this dinner an extremely tasty experience: Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, Tizzone, Golden Corral, Carrabbas, Chick-fil-A, and Flowers by Eddie!
Special thanks to our donors for helping to make this dinner an extremely tasty experience: Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, Tizzone, Golden Corral, Carrabbas, Chick-fil-A, and Flowers by Eddie!
TLOT IN THE NEWS
Roanoke ministry aims to support unsheltered population
https://www.wdbj7.com/2023/08/29/roanoke-ministry-aims-support-unsheltered-population
Roanoke’s homeless population dines with dignity at annual community dinner
https://www.wdbj7.com/2023/09/24/roanokes-homeless-population-dines-with-dignity-annual-community-dinner/
https://www.wdbj7.com/2023/08/29/roanoke-ministry-aims-support-unsheltered-population
Roanoke’s homeless population dines with dignity at annual community dinner
https://www.wdbj7.com/2023/09/24/roanokes-homeless-population-dines-with-dignity-annual-community-dinner/
SCENES AROUND THE MINISTRY BUILDING
Thank you, Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Antonio Hash, for the generous bread donation! We appreciate your support! (Dawn Sandoval is pictured accepting the donation from Sheriff Operator Ugalde.
“We do it better together,” Sheriff Hash
Many of our friends are so grateful for the services they receive that they want to give back. This unsheltered veteran voluntarily picked up a broom while waiting for his turn to shower. This warms our hearts!
MINISTRY NEEDS: HOW YOU CAN HELP!
Kroger Rewards
A simple, no-cost way for you to support our ministry is by connecting “The Least of These Ministry in Roanoke, VA” to your Kroger Card as a recipient charity of your rewards. Visit our website for instructions on how to connect your card to our ministry.
A simple, no-cost way for you to support our ministry is by connecting “The Least of These Ministry in Roanoke, VA” to your Kroger Card as a recipient charity of your rewards. Visit our website for instructions on how to connect your card to our ministry.
Volunteers Needed
If you have a heart for people and have some available time, we need volunteers!
Help us Spread the Word!
Help us share our mission to the Roanoke Valley and invite us to your community group, congregation, or event. To schedule TLOT for a speaking engagement, contact us at [email protected].
If you have a heart for people and have some available time, we need volunteers!
- Shower/Laundry Facility Volunteers – This role includes serving our unsheltered friends lunch and scheduling shower and laundry signups on a Monday, Wednesday and/or Friday, from 11:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Mobile Street Outreach Teams – We are searching for two teams of at least two people that would be interested in taking the mobile outreach vehicle to serve individuals living on the streets in various parts of our city. Each team would be responsible for serving one evening a week. Training is required!
Help us Spread the Word!
Help us share our mission to the Roanoke Valley and invite us to your community group, congregation, or event. To schedule TLOT for a speaking engagement, contact us at [email protected].
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