Homelessness is typically associated with urban areas, but the need for a shelter has developed in the New River Valley.
A Blacksburg woman has gathered a troop of organizations to take action and a new shelter will open this week.
"The New River Community Action sites throughout the New River Valley, we see approximately 10 men a month seeking emergency shelter," said Terry Smusz, Executive Director of New River Community Action.
"I was just overwhelmed by the professionals and interfaith congregations that wanted to collaborate," explained Blacksburg resident Rebecca Rees.
Rees started attending group meetings two years ago to talk about homeless issues in the New River Valley.
The discussion began shortly after Teddy Henderson died.
He was a well known Blacksburg homeless man who was often spotted at the library or bus stop.
"Just his quiet powerful presence. I wanted to interact with him. I wish I had done more," said Rees.
"Why now? I must say the death of the homeless individuals in Blacksburg united the community, caused us to step back and think about how could that happen here," explained Smusz.
The New River Valley has a family shelter and a safe haven for battered women, but there was no place for homeless men.
They were directed to shelters in Roanoke or Wytheville.
"Right now, it's cold out there. We just want to have people who want to be able to come off of the street, have a hot meal, a warm place to sleep and be able to rest," said Rees.
After two years of preparations, a Winter overnight shelter for homeless men will open on Saturday.
Two meals will be provided at various sites.
Each night, any man needing a place to stay, can check-in at the New River Community Action building by 5 p.m.
It is located at 110 Roanoke Street in Christiansburg.
Countless individuals and local churches have helped to make it all happen.
"I can't think of a more essential way that we can serve folks than housing homeless men in a house in which we worship Jesus, who himself benefited from the hospitality of others," said Morris Fleischer, Pastor of the Newport-Mt.Olivet United Methodist Church.
For now, the shelter will only be open in the winter months.
It will close on April first.
The group is hoping to expand its homeless services in the coming years.
To learn more, to make a donation or to volunteer, call 540-382-6186.
