Dining Out for Shelter 2018
TO OUR HOUSE INVITES COMMUNITY TO DINE OUT FOR SHELTER 
Fundraiser Provides Support to Homeless Men Through Donations from Local Restaurants
By: Alexis Smith
To Our House’s (TOH) Dining Out for Shelter is Tuesday, April 24, 2018. Dining Out for Shelter is an annual dining fundraising event, raising money for homeless men in the New River Valley. This charitable event will be held at ten participating restaurants in the New River Valley that have all pledged to donate a portion of their proceeds to TOH.
Dining Out for Shelter is an automatic opt-in. On April 24th, those who dine at any of the partnering restaurants are contributing to the fight against homelessness in our community. It is a small gesture for a big cause.
“Dining Out for Shelter brings communities together to raise much-needed funds,” says Carol Johnson, To Our House Coordinator. “We are incredibly grateful that proceeds from participation in this event benefit homeless men.”
Participating restaurants are throughout Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Dublin, and Radford.
TOH, a program of New River Community Action, partners with faith-based and community organizations to provide shelter, food, and compassionate support to homeless men (guests) nightly during winter months. A United Way agency, TOH was founded in 2010 after the death of a Blacksburg homeless man, Teddy O. Henderson (TOH), and the program just completed the eighth season. TOH offers case-management and connects guests with resources that can lead to employment, more permanent housing, and personal economic sustainability.
TOH provides 21 weeks of shelter and typically shelters between 40-50 guests per season. Over the past eight housing seasons, TOH has provided 9090 bed nights and 27,270 meals. Over the past four housing seasons, over 100 guests, including several veterans, found more permanent housing and over 80 found employment while staying with To Our House.
Daniel, a recent TOH guest, was excited to share his experience this past winter season. “To Our House was there for me [when] I was down and out, they provided for me and treated me well. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to get help. When I came to To Our House, I had a lot of pride, I wanted others in need to get services before me.”
Daniel noted about his To Our House stay, “To Our House helped me to become independent and motivated. I got an apartment myself and a full-time job. It’s looking up to a promotion right now. I am able to pay for things myself. I felt I was a broken person before TOH, I am so much better. I can do so much more on my own. I really learned a lot about myself. I visit and keep in contact daily. They have really helped me and I try to stay in contact with To Our House staff.”
For more information about the event or to learn more about TOH, please contact Carol Johnson at 540.382.6186 or visit www.toourhouse.org.
Who’s in?