posted: 5/26/2026
TLOT FIGHTS AGAINST ZONING VIOLATIONS
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On February 25, 2026, the city served our organization with several zoning violations requiring us to cease operation of our warming buses, and removal of our portable toilet and outdoor lockers.
Although our sustaining station has operated for FIVE years, offering the exact same services, it was stated that these violations were due to zoning concerns that stemmed from complaints from local business owners regarding the presence of unsheltered individuals in the area. Although our organization filed an appeal with the Board of Zoning Appeals, on May 13, 2026, our hearts broke as the city zoning administrator's decision was upheld. Our friends experiencing homelessness are not problems to be removed. They are people to be loved. We will continue fighting for dignity, mercy, and hope. Please join us in this fight! Here is how you can help right now: • Pray for wisdom, provision, and open doors • Support our ministry as we work to reinvent the programs that the city is working to remove. • Speak up for those whose voices are often ignored • Contact local leaders respectfully and urge compassionate solutions • Volunteer and continue supporting our ministry efforts. |
TLOT HOSTS COMMUNITY NIGHT OF PRAYER
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In preparation for the zoning appeals hearing, we were blessed to host a beautiful "Community Night of Prayer" the previous evening in the parking lot of our sustaining station. We stormed the gates of Heaven petitioning God for provision, healing and hope for those experiencing homelessness, for unity in our community, for compassion for the less fortunate, and for his unmerited favor in today’s decision! We trust GOD with it all!
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Pastor Charles Wilson of The Hill Church, Pastor Troy Mueller of Bedrock Church Roanoke, Pastor David Shearer of Elevation Church – Roanoke, and Brandon Hostetler for leading our time of prayer. We are also deeply thankful to Matt Kramm for leading us in worship and helping create such a meaningful atmosphere of faith and encouragement. We were truly humbled by everyone who came out to stand with us in prayer. Your love, support, and encouragement remind us that we are never alone in this mission. We love and appreciate our tribe more than words can express. Please continue to pray for our ministry and for every individual we have the privilege to serve. “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” — Psalm 20:7 |
TLOT RECOGNIZED IN THE ROANOKER MAGAZINE
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We are extremely humbled to have been recognized by The Roanoker Magazine "Best of 2026" edition! We were awarded the Bronze in the “Most Worthy Group to Donate to” category!
Thank you to everyone that voted for us! We are SO grateful for the community that links arms with us to make this incredibly challenging mission possible! |
MISSION MOMENTS
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Although the loss of our appeal at the BZA level could have become a distraction, our mission must continue and our work is moving forward every single day!
We were incredibly blessed to meet with general contractors and a local nonprofit organization as we prepare for the renovation of the duplex, recently purchased by our ministry to create vital affordable housing in our community. This is exactly why we press on! Every challenge only strengthens our commitment to serving our neighbors with dignity, compassion, and hope. We are excited about what the future holds and grateful for every person, organization, volunteer, and supporter walking alongside us in this journey. Stay tuned for more updates as this vision becomes reality! Prepare to roll up your sleeves and become a part of something life-changing for those experiencing homelessness! |
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Although the loss of our appeal at the BZA level could have become a distraction, our mission must continue and our work is moving forward every single day!
We were incredibly blessed to meet with general contractors and a local nonprofit organization as we prepare for the renovation of the duplex, recently purchased by our ministry to create vital affordable housing in our community. This is exactly why we press on! Every challenge only strengthens our commitment to serving our neighbors with dignity, compassion, and hope. We are excited about what the future holds and grateful for every person, organization, volunteer, and supporter walking alongside us in this journey. Stay tuned for more updates as this vision becomes reality! Prepare to roll up your sleeves and become a part of something life-changing for those experiencing homelessness! |
tlot in the news
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The Least of These Ministry discusses recent zoning violations
https://www.wdbj7.com/2026/03/27/least-these-ministry-discusses-recent-zoning-violations/ |
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The Least of These Ministry discusses zoning violations decision
https://www.wdbj7.com/video/2026/05/14/least-these-ministry-discusses-zoning-violations-decision/ |
SCENES AROUND THE MINISTRY
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We are beyond grateful for our partnership with Blue Ridge Behavioral Health’s PATH Program!
This organization now offers weekly outreach at our Sustaining Station, working to connect our unsheltered friends with mental health and housing support. Serving the homeless is a team effort, and we are thankful for our community partners who we can lock arms with in this effort to serve the least of these. |
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A huge thank you to everyone who helped make Pantry Palooza a success by helping us re-stock some of our most-used pantry items, including food, clothing, hygiene products, etc. We cannot meet our friends' needs without your generous donations!
If you would like to purchase some of our most-needed items, here is our Amazon wishlist. Items can be shipped directly to 602 Marshall Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24016. |
MINISTRY NEEDS: HOW YOU CAN HELP!
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Financial Donations:
As we continue to serve our unsheltered friends by way of the facility, directly at the street level, and through Suites by TLOT, financial donations are vital to continue our mission. Donations can be made via our PayPal link or you can mail a check directly to our home office address at 602 Marshall Ave SW, Roanoke, VA, 24016. Help Needed: If you have a heart for people and have the availability, we would love to partner with you in service!
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