Community support programs at risk as national COVID-19 emergency order ends

Roanoke, Virginia – As the national COVID-19 emergency order approaches its termination date on May 11, 2023, the accompanying funding for pandemic-related programs will also conclude.

This cessation is an indication of the nation’s recovery and the subsiding effects of the pandemic. However, it also entails the discontinuation of numerous programs that have become essential for many communities.

During the previous nine months, TAP has supported 229 families with over $500,000 in COVID relief funds. The termination of this funding will impact three programs, leading to their closure or alteration in the scope of services:

1. The City of Roanoke-funded Eviction Prevention Services will be shutting down. This initiative has helped Roanoke City residents at risk of eviction maintain their apartments and provided assistance with utility disconnection notices.
2. The Department of Health Emergency COVID Assistance program, which operates in Alleghany County, Covington, and Craig County, will also come to an end. The program has primarily focused on covering past-due rent and utility payments.
3. The Supportive Services for Veterans Families (SSVF) will experience changes in regulations and a decline in funding, resulting in a reduction of available services for veterans in need within the community. Notably, SSVF’s ability to accommodate homeless veterans in hotels for extended durations will be restricted. Furthermore, the number of months of financial assistance for rent will be decreased, and eligibility for many services will be limited to once every two years. Since October 22, 2022, TAP has aided more than 112 veteran families through this program.

It is important to note that the Eviction Prevention and COVID Assistance programs will stop accepting applications on May 5, 2023, in preparation for their termination.