posted: 2/20/2026
TLOT OPERATES AS TEMPORARY WARMING SHELTER
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As our area saw deadly temperatures during a recent snow and ice storm, we launched a crisis emergency overnight warming center inside our sustaining station on January 23rd. As of today, we have provided shelter to 960 individuals!
In January alone, our organization provided crisis shelter to 904 humans and multiple pups. Our sustaining station, operating in addition to the overnight emergency shelter, has served 853 meals, provided 313 showers and laundered 220 loads of laundry. Our staff and volunteers braved dangerous temperatures, navigated snow and ice, and even stayed overnight at the shelter, in order to fulfill our commitment to ensure the warmth and safety of our unsheltered friends. Although we were tired, we endured! The warming shelter has significantly increased the ministry's operational expenses, creating a stark increase in utility costs and requiring overnight staffing expenses. Additionally, this program has increased the demand for facility supplies. Should you feel led to support the vital work that our organization is doing in the Roanoke Valley, here are two ways you can help: 1. Contribute financially with one-time or recurring contributions here! 2. Purchase vital supplies using the link here! |
2025 YEAR-IN-REVIEW
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As we reflect on 2025, the one thing that remains with The Least of These Ministry walking into 2026 is the mission to serve the unsheltered population in the Roanoke Valley. Each year, the need continues to grow and it is through your financial support we are able to help our friends and neighbors who rely on our services:
9,591 Meals 3,886 Showers 1,667 Laundries 6,377 Pantry Items 2,224 Warming Bus Guests 63 Motel Guests 36 New Lockers 13 Permanently Housed None of this is possible without the Lord at the center of the ministry. To Him ALL the glory! |
TLOT TURNS 15 YEARS OLD!
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Fifteen years ago, this ministry began in the back of our personal vehicle with a simple belief: everyone deserves dignity, compassion, and hope. What started as a small act of service has grown into a non-profit organization walking alongside our neighbors experiencing homelessness every single day.
Today, because of God's faithfulness and the incredible support of our community, that small beginning has become so much more. We now offer hot showers, clean laundry, nourishing meals, warming buses, secure lockers, and even a motel - real, tangible resources that restore dignity and provide relief when it's needed most. This anniversary isn't just about how far we've come. It's about the lives impacted, the stories shared, and the countless moments of kindness that made it all possible. It's about volunteers who serve tirelessly, donors who give generously, and guests who trust us with their stories. From the back of a vehicle to a place of refuge - 15 years later, the mission remains the same: to love, serve, and stand with those experiencing homelessness. Thank you for being part of this journey. Here's to continuing the work together! |
MISSION MOMENTS
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As we were preparing to step into 2026, God blessed us with the opportunity to not only close out a year but close a chapter of homelessness for this sweet couple, Jerry and Yvette! They moved into their new place with the assistance of some volunteers who also had the opportunity to pray for God's blessings in their home.
We were extremely humbled to accept a Community Partner Award, presented by the Roanoke Police Department - VA, on behalf of our organization! What an honor it is to serve alongside those that make this ministry possible. We are also honored to link arms with the amazing men and women that make up our community's police department! To all of those that donate, serve, pray, and support, this one is for YOU! Thank you Roanoke Police Department for taking the time to recognize our efforts! We appreciate you! |
TLOT IN THE NEWS
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Warming shelters operating in Roanoke
https://www.wdbj7.com/2025/12/05/warming-shelters-operating-roanoke/ The Least of These Ministry talks year-end giving https://www.wdbj7.com/2025/12/11/least-these-talks-year-end-giving/ |
SCENES AROUND THE MINISTRY
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We are so grateful for our partnership with the Roanoke Police Department. In addition to preparing and serving 110 meals, they distributed new coats to our unsheltered community inside our sustaining station. A total of 108 coats were donated by the Loudon Avenue Christian Church, Central Baptist Church, and Morning Star Baptist Church communities.
As a token of gratitude to those who donated on Giving Tuesday, a few of our friends (and one special furry friend!), recorded a special video of why your money is vital to their survival. Watch here! You can continue to support TLOT's day-to-day outreach by donating here. |
MINISTRY NEEDS: HOW YOU CAN HELP!
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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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