Help! Homelessness is growing in Lynchburg.

CONTRIBUTOR CONTENT

Homelessness is on the rise in Lynchburg, and amidst nationwide shelter closures, The Salvation Army Center of Hope is still the city's largest operational shelter. However, this mission is becoming increasingly challenging due to diminishing public and private funding, worsened by the current inflationary climate.

The nation is grappling with a 12% surge in homelessness, as reported by HUD on December 15th, 2023. This marks the highest number of homeless individuals since the start of the annual point-in-time survey in 2007. Lynchburg mirrors these challenges, with a lack of affordable housing, rising costs, and the conclusion of Covid-19 relief measures leaving many residents teetering on the brink of homelessness.

While Lynchburg does not have an updated count, The Salvation Army of Lynchburg has seen a surge in the number of families in need of aid from last year to this year. Major Caleb Prieto acknowledges, "Our services have expanded across the region, pushing us to our maximum capacity."

Amid inflation and a post-Covid stimulus environment, emergency shelters, including Lynchburg's Center of Hope, face a critical juncture. The organization, grappling with soaring operational costs and heightened homelessness, is supplying crucial help while also appealing for community support.

Major Caleb Prieto emphasizes, "Families experiencing homelessness require fundamental elements of privacy, security, and a sense of hope." The Salvation Army of Lynchburg, dedicated to daily community support, serves as a first lifeline for those in need.

At the heart of their efforts lies the Center of Hope, accommodating men, women, children, and family units with an 80-bed facility. On any given night, five Lynchburg families with nine children are staying at the Center of Hope, along with an average of over fifty individuals each night.

Acknowledging shared challenges of inflation and reduced funding, The Salvation Army of Lynchburg expresses thoughtful gratefulness for community support. Major Caleb Prieto affirms, "With your ongoing support, The Salvation Army will persist as a dedicated shelter, a source of comfort, and a beacon of hope for all those in need."

Your support can make a significant impact on our community's well-being.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

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