ROANOKE, Va. – Having a heart for those experiencing homelessness is what placed Dawn Sandoval in the hero spotlight.
Sandoval, who is the president of The Least of These Ministries, is no stranger to meeting those in need exactly where they are, no matter how broken.
She has dedicated the majority of her life to serving people who suffer from mental illness, PTSD and those who are experiencing homelessness.
Sandoval and her team of volunteers go out and help these individuals living outdoors in the woods, on the streets and under bridges.
Her organization strives to meet men and women who are experiencing homelessness in the Roanoke Valley, serving them with spiritual, physical and emotional support.
“Dawn does this with limited resources, but with the support of local caring people and organizations,” The American Red Cross said. “There is an unmet need in our Valley and Dawn and TLOT is there with a safety net of support.”
The services provided by TLOT include:
- Assistance in finding and securing affordable housing.
- Addressing immediate needs on the streets such as cold-weather gear, t-shirts, socks, hygiene items, sleeping bags, snacks, etc.
- Providing the opportunity to improve hygiene by opening the ministry facility’s shower and laundry facilities.
- Securing hotel arrangements during inclement weather.
- Providing transportation for people to reunite with their support system.
The American Red Cross is proud to award Dawn Sandoval as the 2022 Good Samaritan Hero