With temperatures dipping into single digits this week, the regional cold-weather shelter is making adjustments to keep the unhoused population in the community safe and warm.
The Waynesboro Area Refuge Ministry, or WARM, shelter is generally open from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. and rotates between locations, primarily churches in Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County. The shelter this week is set up at Christ Lutheran Church in Staunton.
The organization is working with the City of Staunton and the church to keep the shelter open 24 hours a day and keep the homeless out of the extreme cold, snow and ice.
The City of Staunton is providing the Gypsy Hill Park gymnasium as a refuge for the unsheltered during the day.
Thirty three unsheltered individuals have sought shelter with WARM this week.
“By the grace of God, we have not had to turn anyone away during these cold days,” said Alec Gunn, WARM executive director.
While the shelter is working to meet a critical need, costs are also rising due to the extended hours and required staff coverage. On average, the cost to the organization is around $1,600 each day.
The community may pitch in to keep the unhoused safe and warm this season through monetary contributions to WARM but also by donating blankets, coats, belts, pants, cold-weather clothing and accessories.
For more information, visit warmwaynesboro.org
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Crystal Graham
