Utility Assistance
The Energy Assistance Program assists low-income households in meeting their immediate home energy needs. To be eligible, households must have a heating or cooling expense and gross monthly income may not exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty level. The Energy Assistance Program is not intended to meet the household’s total home energy cost during the heating season—households must continue to make monthly payments on their bills. The Energy Assistance Program consists of three basic components: Fuel Assistance, Crisis Assistance, and Cooling Assistance.
Find financial assistance with a water bill. The form must be completed before the account is more than 30 days past due.
The Salvation Army will assist with Roanoke Gas and AEP utility bills if funds are available. Appointments can be made Monday-Thursday between 9 am-4 pm.
The Presbyterian Community Center serves specific neighborhoods with utilities assistance. They also have a food pantry that gives out food Monday-Thursday, 9 am–11 am and 1 pm–2 pm. Call (540) 982-2911 ext. 106 for further information. For financial aid, leave a message at ext. 102. Must have copy of the lease, proof of income, photo ID, Social Security Card, and any cutoff or termination notice(s). They can also help with non-narcotic prescription medications.
Commonwealth Catholic Charities
Housing and financial counseling hotline. Call 804-285-5986 between 9 am and 2 pm and leave a message. Works on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted for individuals who qualify. May be able to help with water, electric, or gas bills. They will not assist with deposits, turn off/turn on notices, or funding for closed cases for utilities. They also provide rental and mortgage assistance etc. For general questions, food pantry information, and referrals on other matters such as adoptions and foster care call 540-342-0411.
Healthcare
LIFT (Local Impact for Tomorrow) Center
Open to Roanoke City Public School students and their immediate families, LIFT offers physical, dental, and mental health care as well as financial education and service coordination. Located at Fallon Park Elementary School.
For residents of Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas without insurance and with Medicaid, the mission of Bradley Free Clinic is to provide free, compassionate and comprehensive health care services for the underserved by partnering with high quality professional volunteers. Medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmaceutical services and more are available to residents of the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas.
This is a community-based family healthcare group that offers affordable, comprehensive healthcare for all (insured, underinsured, and uninsured). Services include pediatrics, family medicine, behavioral health, on-site pharmacy with a medication assistance program, support services, and TeleVisits offered on a sliding fee discount program for those who are eligible, based on income.
Homeless Services
Central Intake (City of Roanoke)
Central Intake is an entry point to homeless and homelessness prevention services for families and individuals who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. Central Intake-One Door is the access point for homeless and homeless prevention services and is conveniently located in an office that provides clients with many street outreach services and homeless prevention services. The office is open Monday-Friday, 8 am–5 pm.
Rescue Mission of Roanoke, Inc
The Rescue Mission provides emergency shelter for those in need. They also offer community meals to individuals in the community in need. The Rescue Mission also offers a residential Recovery Program, Free Clinic, and Food Pantry Services for those who meet the eligibility criteria.
RAM can assist with portions of electricity, gas, water bill, mortgages, and rent. It usually takes 3-5 business days to process an application, and you need to provide supporting documents. RAM is located at 824 Campbell Ave, SW. The Financial Aid Department is open Monday-Thursday from 9 am-3 pm.
The Homeless Assistance Team (HAT) provides outreach services and case management to individuals and families experiencing homelessness and needing help finding permanent housing. They work to ensure emergency and transitional shelter. Support services are available for those experiencing homelessness. Intakes are completed Monday-Friday, 8 am-12 noon.
Housing Assistance
Community Housing Resource Center
The Community Housing Resource Center works with several agencies to prevent homelessness by providing housing and financial assistance to individuals and families. Assistance is only provided to renters and those experiencing homelessness. Must register through Central Intake and can register by phone 540-853-1163. Central Intake is open 8 am–5 pm Monday-Friday.
The Red Cross will assist in helping applicants find housing for emergency events such as fire or flooding. Free smoke detectors can also be requested from the agency by calling 540-987-6355.
City of Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA)
RRHA offers affordable housing options to individuals and families in the City of Roanoke. They also provide services for their residents such as job searching and home buying assistance.
Legal and Tenant Services
Legal Aid Society of the Roanoke Valley (LASRV)
LASRV is a non-profit law firm that provides FREE legal services to more than 1,000 low-income clients a year across the Roanoke and Southern Shenandoah Valleys. Civil legal services include housing, family, employment, consumer debt, and domestic violence.
Senior Services
Maintains a list of senior housing for individuals over the age of 60 years old and will provide a case manager if needed. They provide transportation for senior citizens and manage the “Meals on Wheels” program for seniors.
Tax Abatement
City of Roanoke Tax Abatement Program
There are many local tax relief and incentive programs in the City of Roanoke. The link can connect you with approximately 6 different programs located within the City. The website also includes information about where to find more helpful incentive programs.