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When you hear the word “homeless,” you might think of someone sleeping on the streets or staying at a shelter. But for hundreds of kids in Roanoke City Public Schools, their reality looks different.

ROANOKE, Va. – Homelessness is on the rise in Virginia. Newly released data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development found a 3% increase from 2019 to 2020 for those experiencing homelessness on a single night. Nationally, it’s up 2.2%; however, in the Roanoke Valley trends are plunging. “Really focus on who we’re targeting with those resources, I think has really had an impact,” said Roanoke City’s Human Services Administrator Matt Crookshank. Crookshank said that nationally homelessness may spike, but in the Roanoke Valley, it might not be as bad as you’d expect.

ROANOKE, Va. – The Roanoke Area Ministries’ RAM House is in search of a new home. The search for a new location comes after researchers Christopher Dyer, of George Mason University, and Sharon Christner, of Hollins University, conducted a study by interviewing those staying in the shelter to determine how the RAM House can improve its service. The RAM House will follow the researchers’ recommendations when scouting for a new space which include: increased handicap accessibility, showers, computers for applying to jobs and office space for mental health and substance abuse counselors. “RAM House is already a place that meets those essential basic needs that are the important foundation for any kind of help,” Christner said. “In the new building, I hope it incorporates ways for people to move beyond basic needs being met through case management and paths forward.”Roanoke Area Ministries is commemorating its 50th anniversary of service this year.

SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA – Homeless shelters and soup kitchens are preparing for one of the busiest days of the year. The Roanoke Rescue Mission is offering two options: socially distanced indoor dining open to the community and drive-through curbside service where you can take your Thanksgiving meal to-go. “A lot of our regular volunteers are seniors, they’re retired and high risk for a variety of reasons. At RAM House in Roanoke, volunteers like Pat Oberlin, are prepared to pack to-go Thanksgiving meals and snacks, homeless individuals will be allowed to eat indoors. “You can see it in their hearts that they really appreciate what we’re doing here for them.”For these volunteers, Thanksgiving is about giving back at a time when people need help now more than ever.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Barbara Harris was once homeless and says between COVID-19 and the colder weather, she’s grateful now more than ever to have a roof over her head. “I see people on the streets here in Lynchburg, and I know they’re homeless. “The less people in shelter, the less dense the shelter is, and the more that they can social distance,” said Kristen Nolen, director of housing services. Nolen says Lynchburg has actually seen a drop in homelessness compared to this time last year and 2018. “I have a sitting area and a bedroom, but to me that means everything in the world,” Harris said.

ROANOKE, Va. A local nonprofit wants you to Hustle for the Homeless on August 22, 2020. The Least of These Ministries organizes the 5K race every year. One of our biggest goals for hosting this race it to just bring awareness to people that homelessness does exist right here in your own community, said race director Rebekah McGeorge. New this year, you can register and run the race when it's convenient for you. The nonprofit is also raising money for a tiny house village for those who are homeless.

ROANOKE, Va. Roanoke City Public Schools now has more money to help the districts homeless students. An anonymous woman donated her entire $1,200 coronavirus stimulus check to Roanoke City Public Schools Help the Homeless" fund. There are 545 homeless students this school year, according to the district. The donor has requested the money be used to put together snack packs for the students. So were looking down the road, when resources or donations start to, maybe, become an issue," said Roanoke City Schools communication director Justin McLeod.