Hope Center grows into a new facility, increasing its influence on the community

Roanoke, Virginia – The Hope Center is celebrating moving into a new building, which is a significant milestone.

With just one room, the Hope Center has been providing services to the people of Northwest Roanoke for almost ten years. They now have ten rooms in the new building.

With the intention of growing, Executive Director Darlene Lewis opened the Hope Center’s doors in 2015.

“I have dreamed of being in that particular building since 2016,” explained Lewis. “And my expectations of it back then, ‘Wow, look (at what more) I can do more for the community.’”

Offering services including twice-weekly food and clothing handouts, after-school activities for kids, and adult job readiness programs, the non-profit has been a resource for the community.

“(The) Hope Center is within walking distance, number one,” said Northwest Roanoke resident Dawn Coleman. “Because a lot of people in the community may not have a vehicle. So, they can actually walk down and get their food.”

The expansion coincides with an ongoing increase in service demand, particularly in light of the summer heat and the need for relief.

“We want to be able to meet the need of just the community,” added Lewis. “So, if the community is hot, we want to cool them down.”

Goodwill, Buffalo Soldiers, and TAP donations have made the new facility possible.

“And now that we’re in this bigger space, we need to keep it running, right. That’s why we want everyone in the community to know what we’re doing,” said volunteer Briana Taylor. “And we want to touch their heartstrings so they’re able to give as well, just like those organizations did.”

The Hope Center, according to the locals, has significantly changed their life.

“It has been a blessing when I say God has used the Hope Center to give people hope and literally save lives,” said Coleman.