Essential Needs Services

LOA provides information for persons aged 60 and over who reside in the 5th planning district of Virginia (Roanoke, Salem, Botetourt, Alleghany, and Craig), who are looking for short-term assistance. LOA also provides some emergency services directly to our program participants. While a low annual income is a requirement for some programs, income level is not a determinant for all of them. Please see below for more information on the direct services we provide seniors and the other services we can connect you with.  

Call LOA at (540) 345-0451 or complete our contact form for help. Our staff will either provide you with information, arrange a direct service, or refer you to another agency. 

“LOA is the best thing to happen to me. It gives me something to live for. Keep up the good work. I mean it with all my heart.”

Direct essential needs services we provide to our participants include: 

  • Benefits enrollment assistance – assists low-income, Medicare-eligible seniors and persons receiving Social Security Disability in identifying and applying for benefit programs such as Medicare Part D, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), etc.
  • Donated Medical Equipment – provides to LOA service recipients, through a partnership with F.R.E.E. Foundation, donated walkers, wheelchairs, canes, and more. (Please see below if you are interested in donating items).
  • Emergency Food Assistance – LOA’s Emergency Food Pantry provides an emergency bag of food filled with shelf-stable meal equivalents, for our participants who have an urgent need. Please click here if you are interested in donating items.
  • Fan Care and Cooling Assistance – a summer program that places fans in the homes of seniors who need assistance. Air conditioners are given to those with no working air conditioning, who own their own home, and whose income is below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. This program is funded by donations from the public.
  • Vital Transportation – provides rides to essential services such as doctor appointments, the pharmacy, or grocery store. To qualify, a person must be unable to drive a car or not own a vehicle. Income must not be higher than 150% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Information and referrals to other agencies:

LOA may provide you with information so that you can contact other agencies or assist you by providing a referral on your behalf.

  • A list of senior housing in the area 
  • Credit counseling information 
  • Resources on who to contact for assistance with utility bills, medication costs, and prescription eyeglasses
  • How to apply for Medicaid, Social Security, and public benefits such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) 
  • Where to find food pantries, clothes closets, and other resources in your area

Call LOA at (540) 345-0451 or complete our contact form for help.

Donate Medical Equipment to LOA

Do you have a shower chair or rollator that you would like to send to a good home? Items that our participants often request include: 

  • Walkers and rollators 

  • Bath benches and shower chairs 

Thanks to our partnership with F.R.E.E. Foundation of Virginia, LOA can offer refurbished medical equipment to our service recipients who have a need. Equipment donations in the Roanoke area may be dropped off at:

Goodwill Donation Center
1489 East Main Street
Salem, VA 24153

F.R.E.E. will receive it, refurbish and clean it, and pass along to LOA. 

*Please note: Seniors must submit an application for equipment; LOA can assist our program participants with this application.  

> Request Equipment 

F.R.E.E. does not accept or gift other equipment, such as nebulizers, CPAPs, oxygen, hospital beds, tubing, etc. Unfortunately, F.R.E.E. is not able to pick up or deliver equipment.