In fact, any single man in the New River Valley who is currently seeking multi-night shelter must do so by going to either Roanoke or Wytheville. “Emergency shelter for domestic violence victim and families is available, but no shelter services are available for single individuals,” noted Terry Smusz, Executive Director of New River Community Action (NRCA).  But that is about to change – beginning January 15 – thanks to a true grassroots effort that is fueled by the energy and passion of dozens of volunteers and professionals who want to make a difference.

To Our House (TOH) is a group comprised of interested citizens, human and social service providers, and interfaith ministers and congregations working to provide winter shelter for single adult men. According to Rebecca Rees of Blacksburg, who along with Smusz helped initiate the project, there are currently a total of 16 New River Valley congregations/organizations that have committed to serve either as a host site/congregation or a support congregation/group.

The model of sheltering that TOH is based on utilizes a variety of rotating host sites for the actual overnight sheltering program. Camp Christi in Christiansburg will serve as the initial sheltering site. Several churches throughout Montgomery and Giles County congregations or groups have also offered to assist as either host or support, with Pembroke United Methodist Church being the second host church to sign on.

Janne Mathes, a member of Blacksburg Presbyterian Church, explained that men who wish to utilize the program should arrive by 5:00 p.m. at the Intake Center, which is at 110 Roanoke Street in Christiansburg (the New River Family Shelter building). Individuals will then be transported by bus or van to the site for that evening. After a warm dinner and optional activities, such as books and DVDs, they will be provided a snack, and a cot with clean sheets, blankets, and a pillow. 

“And in the morning, they will be served breakfast, given a bagged lunch, and transported back to the Intake Center,” added Mathes. “TOH will also do laundry for them if they are interested in this service.” Blacksburg Presbyterian Church will serve as the initial host, and will work together with the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Blacksburg, which will act as the first support congregation for the program.

According to statistics furnished by New River Community Action, over the last six months there have been 11 - 22 homeless, single men living in the New River Valley.

“We are not positive these men will hear about us or choose to be our guests,” stated Rees, “But as the weather is particularly inhospitable at this time, we are anxious to begin our inaugural year.”

“We recognize there are many reasons for homelessness, but when it is extremely cold, as it has been recently, even those who prefer this lifestyle may want thermal shelter,” Rees added. “And we welcome them gladly anytime.”

As the program continues to develop, TOH organizers hope to eventually link men served through the program to employment and housing opportunities. For now, TOH is focused on addressing basic sheltering needs.

Besides the obvious good that will no doubt come from this venture, volunteers are also proud of the collaboration that’s been involved.

“These are extremely difficult times for many people,” noted Smusz. “To Our House is a shining example of how communities throughout the New River Valley can pull together to meet the needs of those who are less fortunate.”

“When you step back and think about the sheer scope of the players involved in making this happen, it really is impressive,” remarked Rev. Morris Fleischer, Pastor of Newport-Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church in Giles County. “We have folks from the faith community representing a wide range of denominations from neighborhoods that span the entire New River Valley…not to mention the different community agencies that are involved.”

“I’m just very honored to be a part of this effort, both personally and as a representative of my congregation,” Fleischer added.

Rees noted that TOH has received donations from the NRV American Red Cross, the YMCA Thrift Store, the Community Foundation of the New River Valley, the William Gundry Broughton Foundation, the Blacksburg Rotary Club, the Virginia Tech Christian Faculty Fellowship, New River Valley Community Services, and numerous individuals and congregations.

Since NRCA – a 501(c)3 charity - is serving as fiscal agent for the TOH project, interested individuals, organizations or businesses may make tax-deductible contributions in support of To Our House. Smusz explained that individual donations of at least $500 and business donations of at least $1,000 may qualify for the Virginia Neighborhood Assistance program (NAP) tax credit.

To make a donation, checks should be addressed to: New River Community Action, Inc., 644 West Main Street, Radford, VA 24141. (Please note To Our House on the check.)

For more information about the program or to make a referral, call 382-6186 or visit www.toourhouse.org. 

TOH organizers and volunteers are currently meeting the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month at 3:00 P.M. at Fieldstone United Methodist Church in Christiansburg, one of the group’s supporting faith-based congregations. For more information about the program or to make a referral, call 382-6186 or visit www.toourhouse.org.