ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – During Monday’s meeting, the Roanoke City Council unanimously voted in favor of Mayor Joe Cobb’s initiative, Mayor’s Hope and Home Task Force. Homelessness numbers have risen in Roanoke since the COVID-19 pandemic, with more than 300 people experiencing it as of January.
Beyond existing homeless providers in the city, Mayor Cobb wants to hear from other community sectors, like business leaders and educators, to determine the best path forward. Along with providing affordable housing, Mayor Cobb wanted the name to reflect a sense of hope, which he said is just as important.
“For people who are experiencing homelessness, there are many days that don’t feel very hopeful, and most days feel more like survival,” Mayor Cobb said. “‘What can I do to make it through the night,’ ‘What can I do to make it through the day,’ and the obstacles seem insurmountable.”…