Most people are familiar with the Roanoke Rescue Mission, RAM House or even the Turning Point shelter for battered women. They may not have heard about Still Standing Outreach Ministries, created by Lisa Lorraine Johnson, an ordained minister, to lend women a hand. Still Standing is a day shelter where women (mostly the homeless) can come in off the street from 9am-5pm on a daily basis.
“They can just come in and relax,” said Johnson, who is in the process of finishing up a bachelor’s degree as she manages the shelter. Everyone on the Still Standing staff is a volunteer or an intern from a school like Roanoke College. “I’m called to do this,” said Johnson, who has been counseling women in need since 1998.
While at Still Standing they can eat a prepared lunch, take a shower, pick up needed clothes, do laundry, watch television, play games in a day room and receive counseling from Johnson, who says one of the major goals is to network women in need to other resources in the valley. On average said Johnson the women that come to Still Standing are middle aged, although younger women do show up looking for clothes or other assistance from time to time.
Still Standing Outreach Ministries moved to a home of its own three years ago, a 100-year-old house at 1729 Patterson Avenue SW that at one time belonged to someone of means. Over the years the house, a former mansion listed in the National Register of Historic Places, has been used by other charitable organizations.
The women who come through the door at Still Standing, on average about a dozen per day, are not of means. While most are homeless others come from domestic situations where abuse may be the norm, seeking a few hours of calm and support. Still Standing has space for those who have children as well. Some are pointed to the Transitional Living Center on 24th Street for additional help.
“I like to think of us as that [temporary] bridge – as a haven,” said Johnson of Still Standing’s role. Many of these women do not know about some of the other services available to them, for help in overcoming addiction problems, finding employment, etc. “In my heart of heart I care about my sisters,” she adds.
There’s a resource room where women can study with an intern or look for jobs on a computer. Still Standing is a faith-based organization but Johnson said, “we don’t push it.” They may just want some shelter from the storm outside for a while. “These are women that are dealing with stuff,” noted Johnson, who was very proud when a dozen who came through Still Standing started college at Virginia Western last year.
Still Standing is supported entirely by donations, including food and makeup for women. Johnson is constantly on the move, seeking help or networking with other social service agencies that can offer assistance. (Through April 6 the shelter is holding a yard sale at its Patterson Avenue home from 12-5 pm).
Still Standing doesn’t have a website yet – operating on a shoestring, Johnson is working with volunteers and interns on projects like that – but there is a Still Standing Facebook page for those that want to make contact (or call 339-9574). “It just works – every little bit [donated] helps out,” said Johnson of the funding stream.
“This is home,” at least for a few hours, said Johnson of Still Standing Outreach Ministries. She just wants more of the world to know about it and appreciates whatever support can be provided. “I would have to say it’s a call,” added Johnson, who said she could understand domestic violence, divorce, single motherhood and some of the other issues many of these women have been through. “I care about my sisters…we’re that first door [to help]. We want women to be safe.”
Still Standing Outreach Ministries: a day facility for women which offers confidentiality, referrals, a clothes closet, food pantry, emergency intervention, laundry and shower services, workshops and seminars, advocacy, and a library.
Mission statement: “SSOM is committed to the women in the Roanoke community and surrounding areas. Our goal is to provide them with a new way of thinking through a holistic approach, which gives them the necessary tools, resources, and knowledge needed to become productive citizens in our communities.”
By Gene Marrano
