History
Where it all began
During the late 1960’s, many of the downtown clergy became quite concerned about the rising numbers of people who were coming to their congregations with serious needs and requests for assistance. On January 5, 1971, a group of Denominational Executives in the Roanoke Valley adopted a proposal that would establish an ecumenical urban ministry. A task force composed of one clergy and two laypersons from each church, synagogue or temple that had congregations in the Roanoke Metropolitan area banded together in hopes of making a change and shine light into dark places for people who suffer from the effects of homelessness and poverty.
The task force assembled for the first time on March 2, 1971 and was composed by representatives from these denominations: Catholic, Church of the Brethren, Presbyterian, Episcopal, Jewish, Lutheran, United Methodist, Baptist and Christian Church (Disciples). On October 1, 1971, RAM began delivering surplus food to elderly and disabled people living in the greater Roanoke Valley. Approximately 150 volunteers were recruited from all participating denominations. Eventually, the food distribution operation ended and RAM teamed up with TAP at three emergency outreach centers to help in crisis situations where other agencies and the Department of Social Services could not help. Clients were and still are referred by churches and other agencies as well as DSS, the police department, hospitals and local utility companies.
A greater need
Once RAM began helping people in crisis situation, it became evident that there was a greater need than anyone originally anticipated. Fortunately, because of the insight of the publisher of The Roanoke Times, Walter Rugaber, RAM’s emergency outreach program resources began to grow in order to help needy families. In 1983, Mr. Rugaber and RAM developed the idea of the Good Neighbor Fund. The newspaper would feature stories about previous RAM clients in the paper everyday beginning the Sunday before Thanksgiving and ending on New Year’s Day. The paper invited readers to make contributions in order be distributed in the RAM Emergency Financial Aid office.
RAM continued to evolve in order to meet the needs of the community
In 1986, Noel Taylor, former Roanoke Mayor developed a task force that included the executive director of RAM and sought to study the issue of homelessness. The study concluded that there was a need for a day shelter for the homeless. At the time, Rev. Kenneth Patrick, RAM’s current Board President made plans to take a sabbatical and hike the Appalachian Trail. He took pledges for his walk to benefit RAM and the homeless project. Meanwhile the Executive Director contacted the Catholic Diocese of Richmond concerning the property at 824 Campbell Ave which was the former location of Our Lady of Nazareth Church. The church agreed to gift the use of the building for a day shelter facility. In six short weeks volunteers overhauled the former church and school and on December 7, 1987 RAM opened its doors with the belief that all people deserve safe shelter and a hot meal. RAM also provides access to a washer and dryer, personal hygiene items, a day-labor program and employment program.
Today, RAM continues to serve as a day shelter for the homeless, a place to turn to for emergency financial assistance and a hot meal. RAM collects hats, coats, gloves and socks each winter to distribute to the people without such necessities and assists individuals looking for permanent employment and with day-labor jobs.
Throughout the RAM history, our staff and volunteers have worked together to keep things running seven days a week, 365 days a year. Volunteers work alongside staff members in our kitchen, shelter, administrative offices and financial aid office when needed. Volunteers keep our pantry organized, make food deliveries and help with special events.
For someone homeless or poverty-stricken, the world can become a dark place, lacking in opportunity and resources. Roanoke Area Ministries helps bridge the gap in big and small ways. We strive to show the people we serve that there are still people out there who care and are willing to make a sacrifice so that they can have the basic necessities. We couldn’t continue to do the work we do without the generosity of our donors and volunteers. It’s true that many of our guests have been homeless for a long time and suffer from a variety of problems and crises. Yet, in speaking with so many of them, we find they are genuinely grateful for the hot meal or the shelter from the elements or the assistance with rent or other necessity.