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OUR MISSION
is to break the cycle of homelessness one life at a time. We empower individuals to re-enter the workforce and connect individuals to the resources needed to be as self-sufficient as possible while providing a safe temporary shelter during extreme weather.
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SERVICES
homeless man (crop BW)
DONATE & HELP
Your donations are tax-deductible
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VOLUNTEER
Learn more about ways you can help

Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) Fundraiser Walk

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2024

A banner image showing a kaleidoscope image of people wearing winter beanies on a blue background with date and info about the 'Coldest Night of the Year' fundraiser walk.

thank you to our 2024 sponsors!

Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) Fundraiser Walk

FEBRUARY 25, 2023

WATTS is excited to host a new event for Winchester, VA – our first annual Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) Walk! It’s a FUNdraiser that culminates in a Walk which happens every year in February in cities all over North America. The walk is held in February (a typically snowy and often frigid month) to allow folks to step outside the warmth and comfort of home and experience a little bit of what it might be like to be homeless – the purpose of the walk is to raise awareness and funds for people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness. It works similar to Relay for Life or the Out of the Darkness Walk to fight suicide, where you commit to walk and ask family, friends, etc. to sponsor your mileage. Sign up to join us today! We need walkers, teams, volunteers, and donors! ANYONE can participate in this event – the routes (choose the 2k or 5k) are within Winchester city limits, on sidewalks, with easy intersections. Click either image or the button below to go to our CNOY site where you can register. We hope you’ll join us to raise funds for the homeless that we serve!

Become a Sponsor!

Sponsorship in the Coldest Night of the Year is a unique opportunity for businesses to reach a wider audience while aligning with a charity dedicated to supporting your community. WATTS relies on businesses like yours to continue our work. Consider a sponsorship today to bring hope to our city. Click here to learn more about sponsorship.

SEPTEMBER
BBQ Chicken Dinner Fundraiser!

Volunteer Opportunities

WATTS Happening

Check out our latest newsletter!

Upcoming Events

April 2024

Join us for WATTS’ Spring Fitness Challenge, a simple, easy, and fun way to raise money for WATTS while achieving your fitness goals!

Anyone can participate since you choose your own activity and frequency level!  The Spring Fitness Challenge is an online Facebook Fundraiser campaign, happening the whole month of April.  Join our Facebook Challenge Group to create your Facebook fundraiser, share updates about your progress, get encouragement, and more!

Don’t have Facebook?  You can still participate!
Download/print/share the calendar.  Friends can scan the QR code on the calendar to donate directly to WATTS in support of your fitness efforts!  They can also visit our donate page on the website.

November 4, 2023 - March 30, 2024

Our Overnight Shelter Season begins Saturday, November 4, 2023.  View the ‘Shelter Schedule’ for details.
**There may be previous versions of our shelter schedule circulating, as well as brochures.  Always refer to the website for the most current information.**
 
A photo of a white door entrance to a brick church building with text overlay showing dates and times of WATTS Warming Center, a daytime shelter for homeless individuals.

November 25, 2023 - March 29, 2024

Our daytime Warming Center is open!
Location is Market Street UMC (131 S. Cameron Street, Winchester.)
Hours are Monday – Saturday 7am-1pm and Sundays 12 noon – 5pm.
Open to anyone age 18 and over experiencing homelessness to come in from the cold.
Ring the bell at the Cork Street side door (pictured) for someone to come let you in.


Donations can be dropped off during operating hours too.

WATTS is on Facebook and Instagram!

In Their Own Words

WATTS is a lifesaver – I feel safe and have met new friends. I really don’t know where I would be without WATTS – lonely and hungry for sure. Just the fact that you remembered my name means a lot. I will get my SSI in August, hope to get my knees fixed and get a job and my own place. It has been 3 years since I lost my job and house – WATTS has helped me get through this time – I have hope.
Mike
WATTS Guest
WATTS gives us a degree of hope and worth – hopelessness and uselessness are predominant feelings when you are in this situation – to see the human generosity and Christian charity among the WATTS volunteers gives a feeling of hope and worth. WATTS has kept me safe – it is really rough out in the woods and not always safe. WATTS is really a good program – I am nourished and kept warm and WATTS gives many of us a feeling of belonging when we are often treated as outcasts.
Tom
WATTS Guest
Without the help of WATTS I may not be living right now – I’m not sure I would have made it this far through the cold. WATTS was there when I was down and out – they helped me through some days when I could not help myself. After the shelter closes I will be stable, I have a job and have been able to save some money. Yes, WATTS has truly been a blessing – it has helped me in so many ways.
Ricky
WATTS Guest
If it wasn’t for WATTS I would have froze to death a couple of times. WATTS is really great, for all of these volunteers to give their time up to help us means a LOT to everyone in the program. Thank you for all you do.
Bill
WATTS Guest