The Roanoker May/June 2023 - 29

" We want to move them out of crisis and into stability. "
LEE CLARK, CEO RESCUE MISSION
the number of those who are served lunch has more than
doubled, with around 160 meals served every day. Sixty-six
percent of the shelter clients last year were unsheltered.
" We're getting younger and younger people in here who
are severely addicted to narcotics. We see a lot of men in
our shelter. We see a lot of people who are suffering from
schizophrenia, " she explains. In response to the growing need,
RAM is expanding its mental health and recovery support.
" I'm not going to pretend we can save everybody here
because we can't, but we can give people a better daily existence
than they would have if we weren't here, " Woodson says.
Homelessness isn't just an urban issue; it also impacts the
region's more rural communities.
The Warming Shelter of Franklin County was started in
early 2022 in the lower level of Redwood United Methodist
Church in partnership with Lake Christian Ministries in
Moneta. It's run by a single staffer and volunteers.
This past winter, the shelter was open each night in January
and February and on nights when the temperature was 35
degrees or below in December through March. The hope is
to eventually offer a day shelter as well.
Since the shelter is still new, a lot of work has gone into
building trust with the local homeless population.
" A lot of folks who need to come in won't because they
don't know us or they may have assumptions of who we are
or how they may be treated, " Susan Hughes, one of the organizers,
says. " It's been difficult to build a reputation of trust
in the community. "
In February, the shelter was averaging eight guests per
night. Those who spend the night are given access to dinner,
showers, sleeping quarters and breakfast.
" As the word continues to get out, I expect we'll have more
folks coming, " Hughes says.
A common desire that all of the individuals who work to
reduce homelessness have is to humanize the issue.
Cobb stresses that it's important to keep in mind that
" these are our neighbors, part of our human family. "
Homelessness can happen to anyone if they don't have
a support system to help when a crisis occurs, Crookshank
notes. " A lot of times housing instability and homelessness
is just poverty related. It's important for the community to
realize that stereotypes and what we think of homelessness
isn't always the case, " he says.
Hughes explains that it's easy to overlook those who have
fallen through the cracks and are difficult to help. " Many who
choose to turn a blind eye are those who feel it's the issues
of the individual, " she says. " We're all called to reach out and
care for others. "
It's hard to deny that the work that these individuals are
doing is draining.
Woodson has been in her position for three years. " PostCOVID,
our services are doubling but we still have the same
number of people. It's extremely challenging for the volunteers
and staff, " she says. The one thing that has kept her staff going
has been their dedication to the mission.
" It's challenging work. It can be emotionally draining. We
get emotionally invested in the people that need our help, "
Crookshank acknowledges.
One of the ways the Homeless Assistance Team keeps its
members motivated is by celebrating anytime someone it's
helping moves into permanent housing.
" It's hard work but it's fulfilling, " Hughes notes.
Cobb is hopeful the work will continue. He pointed to
the fact that the Council of Community Services stepped
in to make sure some of the services Trust House had been
providing wouldn't stop after its closure as proof that there's
a strong appetite in the community to help these people.I
Guest enjoy eating
meals in the Rescue
Mission dining
room.
TheRoanoker.com
May/June 2023 29
COURTESY OF THE RESCUE MISSION OF ROANOKE, INC.
http://www.TheRoanoker.com
The Roanoker May/June 2023

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