While the Waynesboro Area Refuge Ministry cold-weather shelter is closed for the season, the work of staff continues during the extreme summer weather.
Tents and water are in high demand as the unsheltered population tries to find ways to cope with heat indexes over 100 degrees.
“Even though the frigid temperatures are behind us, homeless individuals face equally dangerous conditions during the brutal heat of June, July and August. Hyperthermia can kill just as many as hypothermia,” said Brian Edwards, acting executive director/board chairperson.
There are no official cooling centers in the area, Edwards said. However, through non-profit organizations, stores and public buildings, there has been some relief for the unsheltered community. The locations, unfortunately, are not always reliable.
“Our organization wants the community to remember that homelessness is a year-round condition,” said Edwards.
In addition to providing resources to help with the heat, staff is providing transportation, delivering food, clothing and temporary shelter and working with the homeless community to obtain birth certificates and state-issued identification cards.
The cold-weather shelter closed on April 1. While some shelter guests found alternative housing after the season ended, others had to return to living outside.
The Ruth Van Cleve Anderson WARM House for Women and Children continues to operate at near capacity. The ministry assists mothers with children develop the life skills needed to transition to more stable housing. At the end of June, there were five families residing at Ruth’s House.
Planning for this year’s cold-weather shelter is already in the works. It is slated to open on Nov. 25.
Donations to WARM may be made by calling (540) 324-8166 or online at warmwaynesboro.org
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Crystal Graham
