WINCHESTER, VA - Homelessness has become a serious issue in many areas this winter, including Winchester.
That's why the Winchester Area Temporary Thermal Shelter (WATTS) stepped in to help. The program is held annually at a different church and on a weekly basis. The number of churches participating each year continues to increase.
Workers at the church say they turn down 10 to 13 people away per night, and that's why they have visions to expand their facility.
"Right now, we are really focusing on expanding each year, whether they're more churches, or more organizations to host facilities, so that we can accommodate people through the cold season," says Marion Schottelkorb, WATTS operations manager.
While turning people away breaks their hearts, it is something they have to do when they reach the maximum capacity of 35 people.
"Usually they're really sad, they're upset, 'where am I gonna go?', we try to refer to some of the other shelters but it's been a very difficult season and most of the shelters in Winchester are full and over-full," says Schottelkorb.
They say familiar faces become friends, allowing strong bonds to grow within the shelter.
"It definitely gives you a new appreciation when you see someone walking down the street that you now recognize their face and you can actually put a name to it, it's much more personal," says Natalie Ridgell, lead volunteer for The United Methodist Church.
Scottelkorb says she feels dignified knowing she can show someone she truly cares, an act that means more than anything to the guests.
That's why the Winchester Area Temporary Thermal Shelter (WATTS) stepped in to help. The program is held annually at a different church and on a weekly basis. The number of churches participating each year continues to increase.
Workers at the church say they turn down 10 to 13 people away per night, and that's why they have visions to expand their facility.
"Right now, we are really focusing on expanding each year, whether they're more churches, or more organizations to host facilities, so that we can accommodate people through the cold season," says Marion Schottelkorb, WATTS operations manager.
While turning people away breaks their hearts, it is something they have to do when they reach the maximum capacity of 35 people.
"Usually they're really sad, they're upset, 'where am I gonna go?', we try to refer to some of the other shelters but it's been a very difficult season and most of the shelters in Winchester are full and over-full," says Schottelkorb.
They say familiar faces become friends, allowing strong bonds to grow within the shelter.
"It definitely gives you a new appreciation when you see someone walking down the street that you now recognize their face and you can actually put a name to it, it's much more personal," says Natalie Ridgell, lead volunteer for The United Methodist Church.
Scottelkorb says she feels dignified knowing she can show someone she truly cares, an act that means more than anything to the guests.
