Today, we join millions across the country and around the world in celebrating the life and legacy of President H.W. Bush, founder of Points of Light – the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service. As a member of the Points of Light Network, HandsOn Blue Ridge is proud to…...
Roanoke city leaders remain at odds over possible needle exchange program (and why we’re still hopeful)
On Monday members of the collective response team presented to City Council on comprehensive harm reduction services. The presentation included many subject matter experts including Dr. Stephanie Harper, Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts; Pam Meador, Council of Community Services’ Drop-In Center; Dr. Cheri Hartman, Carilion Clinic and Roanoke Valley…...
We’re Celebrating 58 Years of Service!
On Monday, November 12, 2018, we celebrated 58 years of service at our annual meeting. Our 58th annual meeting was a private, intimate event where staff and board members gathered to celebrate the year’s accomplishments. As in years past, our focus in 2017-2018 was centered on outcomes that improve the…...
Veteran Homelessness Declines by Nearly Half
In a press release last week, the Trump Administration announced veteran homelessness in the U.S. continues to decline; the number of homeless veterans dropped 5.4 percent last year and by nearly half since 2010. “The reduction in homelessness among veterans announced [today] shows that the strategies we are using to…...
Condoms are not meant to be reused and we have them for FREE!
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tweeted on its sexually transmitted disease account (@CDC STD) that condoms are for single use. Our local news station, WSLS 10 shared the The Associated Press report. While at first the thought of reusing a condom seems laughable, it’s actually frightening. The misinformation,…...
Roanoke represented at the 2018 Housing Virginia’s Most Vulnerable Conference in Richmond, VA
Roanoke’s Carol Tuning (City of Roanoke, Blue Ridge Continuum of Care), Lee Clark (The Rescue Mission of Roanoke), and Matt Crookshank (Council of Community Services’ Community Housing Resource Center) presented on “Finding Common Ground to Expand HMIS Coverage”. The panel of Roanoke’s finest, along with Marsha Germek (The Samaritan Group,…...
Virginia’s first needle exchange could open this year, as localities seek support for the programs
Our program, The Drop-In Center is leading this effort in the Roanoke Valley! The needle exchange program will not only benefit and empower intravenous drug users but also work to protect our community from the spread of infectious diseases – in particular, Hepatitis C. Roanoke Times, April 25, 2018 By Amy Friedenberger…...
