The annual cold weather shelter will open its doors next week, and organizers are expecting a significant increase in the demand for services from unsheltered residents in Waynesboro, Staunton and Augusta County.
The Waynesboro Area Refuge Ministry low-barrier shelter will begin at Fishersville United Methodist Church and rotate between other churches and hosts during the cold winter months. Low temperatures are expected to be at or below freezing next weekend. Temperatures in the teens are predicted in late December and January.
The shelter traditionally runs from Thanksgiving through Easter and is offered in different locations in Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County.
“Rising living costs, limited affordable housing and ongoing economic challenges have left many individuals and families at greater risk of homelessness,” said Alec Gunn, executive director of WARM.
“We expect to serve more guests than in previous years, including those who may be seeking help for the first time.”
The goal of the organization is to ensure that no one dies cold or alone in the region.
Gunn said the organization is still in need of donations, volunteer support and supplies.
“Operational costs such as staffing, transportation and basic necessities are always a focus during the shelter season,” he said.
Compassionate volunteers are needed to help with evening check-in, meal service, overnight support, transportation and morning clean-up.
“Volunteer involvement will be critical,” Gunn said. “A few hours of service can make a significant difference.”
ICYMI
- WARM cold-weather shelter faced higher costs due to cold temps, served 157 individuals
- As need grows, River City Bread Basket plans expansion of Winchester Avenue pantry
- Waynesboro pastor: Unhoused need to be seen and heard, not dismissed as ‘scary’
- Waynesboro | Neighbors disagree with couple’s efforts to push homeless out
The 2024-25 cold weather shelter ran for 18 weeks and served 157 unsheltered individuals, ranging in age from 19 to 70. Costs were approximately $10,000 higher than anticipated due to dangerously low temperatures that extended the hours the shelter operated.
WARM shelter hosts
Transportation is available to shelter sites. For information on transportation and shelter availability, contact (540) 214-7347.
- Blue Ridge Chapel Church of the Brethren
- Bridge Christian Church in Fishersville
- Central United Methodist Church in Staunton
- Cherryvale United Methodist Church in Staunton
- Christ Lutheran Church in Staunton
- Christ United Methodist Church in Staunton
- Embrace Community Center in Waynesboro
- First Baptist Church in Waynesboro
- Fishersville United Methodist Church
- Grace Lutheran Church in Waynesboro
- Main Street United Methodist Church in Waynesboro
- Memorial Baptist Church in Staunton
- Seventh Day Adventist Church in Waynesboro
- Springdale Mennonite Church
- St. John’s Episcopal Church in Waynesboro
- St. John’s United Methodist Church in Staunton
- Waynesboro Free Methodist Church in Waynesboro
- Waynesboro Mennonite Church
- Westminster Presbyterian Church in Waynesboro
View the full schedule of host sites online.
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Crystal Graham
