As temperatures drop, the homeless community in Waynesboro, Staunton, and Augusta County seeks safe and warm shelters to endure the nights. A local organization is stepping up to meet this pressing need.
Increasing Demand for Shelter
The Waynesboro Area Refuge Ministry (WARM) reports a steady rise in the number of individuals seeking refuge at its cold-weather shelter since it opened this fall. With colder temperatures ahead, the organization anticipates the demand will continue to grow.
Raising Awareness Through Action
For the second consecutive year, a local advocate will spend 24 hours outdoors to bring attention to the struggles of the unhoused community. Brian Edwards, WARM board chair, will camp outside the Waynesboro YMCA from 10 a.m. on Dec. 20 to 10 a.m. on Dec. 21.
This date not only marks the beginning of winter at 4:21 a.m. on Dec. 21 but also presents freezing conditions, with overnight temperatures expected to drop to 30 degrees on Friday and plunge to the teens just days later.
Edwards will take on the challenge with minimal food, warmth, and heating resources, abiding by city code, during the event titled “Homeless Alone: A Stay WARM Challenge.” “Homelessness is a year-round problem, but in wintertime, you have the real threat of hypothermia,” Edwards noted.
With the YMCA’s board’s approval, Edwards will camp in front of the South Wayne Avenue facility, where he will have access to its restrooms while the building is open.
Community Support Grows
This year, Edwards will be joined by Jeff Fife, a local realtor and former YMCA executive director. Fife envisions a larger future for the initiative, with potentially hundreds of community members camping out to raise funds, akin to other charity-focused events.
“The experience is a small way to highlight the challenges our neighbors face and to emphasize the critical role nonprofit organizations like WARM play in providing hope and support,” Fife shared. “Together, we aim to inspire our community to be more aware, take action, and make a difference for those less fortunate.”
About WARM
WARM offers winter overnight shelter for homeless adults at locations across Waynesboro and Augusta County. It also runs Ruth’s House, providing temporary housing and support for homeless women and children.
“There are several of our homeless neighbors who don’t know about WARM’s services,” Edwards said. “Last year, I met three homeless individuals who were unaware of our cold-weather shelter.”
How to Donate
Community members moved by this effort can contribute to WARM in several ways:
- Deliver donations to 648 S. Wayne Ave. before 8 p.m. on Dec. 20 or after 5 a.m. on Dec. 21 (cash will not be accepted or held overnight).
- Mail donations to WARM at 1035 Fairfax Avenue, Waynesboro, VA 22980.
- Donate online at warmwaynesboro.org.
Funds raised during this campaign will support WARM’s cold-weather shelter and Ruth’s House, providing essential aid to women and children experiencing homelessness.