The city’s planned seizure marks the second time Roanoke has taken over properties that owe taxes and where people have set up camp.

While homelessness has declined in the region since it peaked in 2009, this January’s point-in-time count reflects a 54-percent increase, the sharpest yet.

The city still plans to provide some sort of Amtrak station in the 4,000 square-foot building, which can contain other tenants.

The city has directed more funds to less typical agencies now tasked with cracking down on an influx of people living outdoors.

Officials who track homelessness are finding more people eschewing shelter life in favor of living outdoors.

A new city law has sent people who sleep outside in downtown Roanoke into shelters — and other parts of the city.

There are four types of homelessness: chronic, episodic, transitional, and hidden. The pandemic has exacerbated all four.