ROANOKE, Va. – The Rescue Mission in Roanoke gives people experiencing homelessness a temporary place to stay.
Recently, the nonprofit has seen a significant increase in residents moving from the shelter and finding permanent housing solutions.
To help fill the gap, the organization created a new program, After Care. It helps to transition guests from the shelter to permanent housing.
“It’s really beneficial I think for our guests to be able to have that wrap-around support beyond here because oftentimes they felt like they were dropped,” said After Care coordinator, Natalie Kline.
Kline stands alongside residents on their journey to find permanent housing solutions.
“Just check in on them regularly to see how they’re doing, making sure they are tracking and moving forward. It’s very positive. The guests who have moved out are very excited about having that little extra support system beyond here,” she said.
Over the past month, five people have moved from the shelter to permanent housing.
During the transition, the Rescue Mission gives people Welcome Home Kits, which are baskets made up of basic necessities.
“Part of what we want to do is make sure that these guests are staying on track with their finances and their budgets and not spending unnecessarily so we provide basic things like toilet paper, plunger, toilet brush, cleaning products, pillows,” said Kline.
Each kit features essentials most people take for granted.
For those who have finally found a place to call home, these supplies help people start off on the right foot.
“We want them to feel supported and loved and there is nothing better than after I leave and hand them all of these goodies that I get to say welcome home,” said Kline.
You can help build a Welcome Home Kit by donating household essentials on this list.