Roanoke City Council passes initiative to help combat homelessness
Beyond existing homeless providers in the city, Mayor Cobb wants to hear from other sectors of the community, like business leaders and educators, to determine the best path forward. Along with providing affordable housing, Mayor Cobb wanted the name to reflect a sense of hope, which he said is just as important.
'For people who are experiencing homelessness, there are many days that don't feel very hopeful, and most days feel more like survival,' Mayor Cobb said. ''What can I do to make it through the night,' 'What can I do to make it through the day,' and the obstacles seem insurmountable.'
With the green light from council, Mayor Cobb said he's hoping to get it started as soon as possible.
US homelessness up 18% as affordable housing remains out of reach for many people
He wanted to stress this won't replace any existing services but rather add additional support.
'It will broaden awareness and education in the community,' Mayor Cobb said. 'It will really allow us more holistically to address not only the challenges, but to create opportunities to reduce homelessness in the community.'
One of those local resources is Rescue Mission Ministries. For the past 76 years, anyone in need has visited the Rescue Mission and received three meals a day, and a safe place to sleep.
It shelters an average of between 200 and 220 people each night.
'They're out during the day, but they always come back at 3:00 in the afternoon when we start the shelters back up,' Lisa Thompson, the Rescue Mission's director of development and communication, said. 'They really seem to very much appreciate it, and it fills our hearts to be able to do what we do for them.'
Thompson said there is no limit to how long guests can stay at the Rescue Mission.
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