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City launches "Hope and Home" task force to study homelessness, partners with Virginia Tech for facilitation
Summary
City Manager Debra Turner presented a staff response and recommended structure for a 12–18 month "Hope and Home" task force to study homelessness and propose actionable recommendations; the city contracted Virginia Tech to facilitate and budgeted modest funds for facilitation and incidental costs.
Roanoke officials launched a council‑directed task force Wednesday aimed at developing actionable recommendations to reduce homelessness, and said the group will be supported by facilitation and research from Virginia Tech.
City Manager Debra Turner presented staff’s plan for the "Hope and Home" task force, which the city will convene for a 12 to 18 month effort to review services, identify gaps and propose policy and investment strategies. Turner said staff recommends a diverse roster of local residents, business owners and neighborhood leaders and that the task force will meet monthly with subgroups meeting virtually as needed.
Turner said the task force will be supported by Virginia Tech’s Community Engagement team; Dr. Scott Tate of Virginia Tech was named as the facilitator. “By focusing on compassion, dignity, and strong partnerships, we believe we can make meaningful progress together,” Turner said.
Staff outlined three recommended focus areas: (1) education, policy and advocacy to ensure a shared understanding of homelessness populations and existing services; (2) services, resources and data research including a gap analysis for behavioral health, job training and funding; and (3) housing, with an emphasis on increasing affordable supply and evaluating needs for shelters or group homes. Turner said the task force will develop measurable recommendations and a prioritized roadmap by early 2027.
Turner told council the city negotiated a facilitation/analysis contract with Virginia Tech at a discounted rate; staff showed a line item of $17,000 for facilitation and $5,000 for miscellaneous costs to support the task force. Deputy City Manager Angie O’Brien and a soon‑to‑be‑hired housing programs officer will serve as staff liaisons, and Turner said the task force will coordinate with Blue Ridge Team of Care and existing service providers rather than replace frontline providers.
Councilmember Ben Lisonbee asked about the task force roster; Turner said the city planned to announce members and hold a 1 p.m. press conference to introduce the group. Turner and councilmembers emphasized outreach, public engagement and data‑driven recommendations as the task force’s primary goals.
