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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

WATTS chosen as a 2024 beneficiary of
Chain of Checks!

Your support of Chain of Checks this year will benefit WATTS!  Scroll down to our Upcoming Events section to see all the 2024 Chain of Checks events in which you can participate.  The fun includes FCPRD’s Walking in a Winter Wonderland, holiday movies at the Alamo, and Christmas Concerts!

 

You can also make a donation online at www.chainofchecks.com OR drop your spare change, bills, or checks into the conveniently-located donation boxes found around town at these participating stores:

   -Handy Mart / Dunkin (16 locations)
   -Solenberger’s Hardware
   -White House Foods
   -Rotz Pharmacy
   -Gore’s Fresh Meats (Stephens City)
   -Daily Buzz (Middletown)

The Chain of Checks campaign to support local non-profits was founded in 1986 by local radio personality, Barry Lee.  Since its creation in 1986, Chain of Checks has raised $1,984,703 for local charities.  In 2013, The Community Foundation of Northern Shenandoah Valley became the campaign’s fiscal agent and helped create an endowment that will serve community charities forever.

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.

OCTOBER 12
BBQ Chicken Dinner Fundraiser

November 2, 2024 - March 29, 2025

WATTS’ Overnight Shelter Season starts back on Saturday, November 2, 2024.

December 8, 2024 - March 28, 2025

WATTS’ daytime Warming Center opens Sunday, December 8, 2024 at Montague Avenue UMC.

WATTS Happening

Upcoming Events

November 28, 2024
Thanksgiving Day 5k

November 29, 2024
Opening Night of Walking in a Winter Wonderland

December 7, 2024
Holiday Movies at the Alamo

December 7 & 15, 2024
Christmas Concerts

December 7, 2024
McKee Foundation’s
Tacky Sweater Party

December 11, 2024
Charity Bourbon Dinner

December 13 & 14, 2024
Christmas Benefit Concert

February 22, 2025
Coldest Night of the Year Walk

Volunteer Opportunities

WATTSup

Check out our latest newsletter!

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
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Support WATTS year-round!

Just $10 a month can change the life of someone experiencing homelessness in Winchester, Frederick, and Clarke County.