Waynesboro Area Refuge Ministry

10/13/2026

WARM needs churches or other groups with space in Staunton, Augusta County, and Waynesboro to give our unsheltered neighbors a place to sleep, eat, and stay out of the cold. Please consider saving lives with you love and support. Check the shelter schedule on the website or call the WARM office at (540) 324-8166.

WARM still seeking host sites ahead of cold weather shelter season | Story: https://www.whsv.com/2026/10/12/warm-still-seeking-host-sites-ahead-cold-weather-shelter-season/

10/02/2026

Join us for a special evening in support of WARM at our 4th Annual WARM Blessings! 🧡

📅 Sunday, November 22
🕔 5–8 PM
📍 First Baptist Church, Waynesboro
🎟️ Tickets: $70 per person

The evening will feature dinner and dessert, followed by beautiful music from members of the Schola Cantorum of Waynesboro, along with the return of our Sweets & Treats Silent Auction — always a favorite!

All proceeds from WARM Blessings will benefit WARM as we prepare to open our Cold Weather Shelters for the 2026–2027 season.

To purchase tickets, call 540-649-0439. We hope you’ll join us for this special evening!

09/24/2026

A message from WARM's Board Chairperson regarding recent social media posts about Ms. Debra Freeman and WARM's financial practices.

"Recently, WARM's leadership has been made aware of certain online comments about Debra Freeman, who served as WARM Executive Director from 2013 to 2022, and the integrity of WARM finances. These accusations are completely incorrect. Ms. Freeman was a faithful steward of the organization's funds during this time. In 2022, WARM and she amicably parted ways due to Ms. Freeman wishing to pursue a new opportunity leading the Boys & Girls Club of Waynesboro, Staunton, & Augusta County.

"Furthermore, WARM's financial team uses several safeguards to ensure the generosity of our donors is not compromised. Since WARM's annual operating budget is designed around 99% of charitable giving, responsible stewardship of our ministry's gifts is a top priority.

"It is unfortunate that WARM's and Ms. Freeman's respective services to our community have been falsely maligned. It is my sincere hope that no more lies on this subject will be discussed. The WARM team wishes to focus our energy on our mission of serving our unsheltered neighbors."

WARMly, Brian Edwards, Board Chairperson

09/02/2026

Our hearts are with the children, families, educators, staff, first responders, and our entire Waynesboro community following today’s incident at Westwood Hills Elementary.

We are incredibly grateful to the Waynesboro Police Department and all of the first responders who acted so quickly during such a frightening situation.

Today has shaken our community to its core, but it has also shown how quickly people come together to care for one another. We are grateful to the many individuals and organizations who stepped in where they were needed, including our friends at Westminster Presbyterian Church, one of our Cold Weather Shelter partners, who opened their doors to serve as a reunification site for students and families.

Our hearts remain with everyone impacted by today’s events and with our Waynesboro community in the days ahead. 🧡

09/01/2026

WARM's Outreach Ministry has been busy for the 5 five month since the Cold Weather Shelter season ended.

The demand has been tremendous with WARM serving nearly 40 unsheltered neighbors with water and food during the dog days of summer. Our reserves have been nearly depleted and there are still 3 months to go until the CWS resumes in November.

Right now, we are in greatest need of:
💧 Bottled water
🥫 Cans of ready to eat meals with pop-tops
🍪Snacks like pop tarts, granola bars, cereal bars.

If you’re able to help, donations can be dropped off at, or delivered to, Ruth’s WARM House
📍 1035 Fairfax Ave, Waynesboro, VA 22980

Thank you for continuing to stand with our neighbors in need.

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08/31/2026

What a great night at The Foundry at Basic City B**r Co 🎶🧡

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Saturday’s WARM Benefit Concert and gave so generously in support of our mission. We’re also incredibly grateful to The Goodson Band for donating their time and talent to make the evening such a special one.

We loved spending the night with so many friends and supporters of WARM. Thank you for showing up for our unhoused neighbors and helping us prepare for the Cold Weather Shelter season ahead!

08/28/2026

Hope to see you all tomorrow night at The Foundry at Basic City B**r Co for a great evening of live music from The Goodson Band in support of WARM! 🧡

THIS SATURDAY: WARM BENEFIT CONCERT AT THE FOUNDRY FEATURING THE GOODSON BAND

Join us this Saturday, August 29th, at The Foundry at Basic City B**r Co. for a special evening of live music, community, and gWaynesboro Area Refuge MinistryWaynesboro Area Refuge Ministry (WARM).

Saturday, August 29th
Doors: 5:30 PM
Music: 7:00 PM
Donation-Based Event — No Ticket Required

Come out, enjoy a greatThe Goodson Bandusic featuring The Goodson Band, and help support an organization doing incredibly important work right here in our community.

WARM serves individuals and families experiencing homelessness and housing instability throughout Waynesboro and Augusta County, providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, outreach, and compassionate support to neighbors when they need it most.

Throughout the evening, we’ll also have a 50/50 raffle, giving you another opportunity to support WARM while enjoying the night.

There is no admission price and no ticket required. Simply show up, bring your friends and family, enjoy the music, and give what you can. Every donation makes a difference.

The Foundry at Basic City B**r Co.
Virginia Metalcrafters Marketplace
1010 East Main Street
Waynesboro, VA 22980

Founded in 2011, Waynesboro Area Refuge Ministry is a Christian nonprofit dedicated to demonstrating Christ’s love through compassionate care for those experiencing homelessness. Through shelter, housing programs, and outreach, WARM continues to provide safety, dignity, hope, and practical assistance throughout our region.

Great music. A great cause. A stronger community.

Spend your Saturday night with us at The Foundry and help support the important work WARM is doing for our neighbors throughout Waynesboro and Augusta County.

Learn more at thefoundrysound.com

08/24/2026

THIS SATURDAY: WARM BENEFIT CONCERT AT THE FOUNDRY FEATURING THE GOODSON BAND

Join us this Saturday, August 29th, at The Foundry at Basic City B**r Co. for a special evening of live music, community, and gWaynesboro Area Refuge MinistryWaynesboro Area Refuge Ministry (WARM).

Saturday, August 29th
Doors: 5:30 PM
Music: 7:00 PM
Donation-Based Event — No Ticket Required

Come out, enjoy a greatThe Goodson Bandusic featuring The Goodson Band, and help support an organization doing incredibly important work right here in our community.

WARM serves individuals and families experiencing homelessness and housing instability throughout Waynesboro and Augusta County, providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, outreach, and compassionate support to neighbors when they need it most.

Throughout the evening, we’ll also have a 50/50 raffle, giving you another opportunity to support WARM while enjoying the night.

There is no admission price and no ticket required. Simply show up, bring your friends and family, enjoy the music, and give what you can. Every donation makes a difference.

The Foundry at Basic City B**r Co.
Virginia Metalcrafters Marketplace
1010 East Main Street
Waynesboro, VA 22980

Founded in 2011, Waynesboro Area Refuge Ministry is a Christian nonprofit dedicated to demonstrating Christ’s love through compassionate care for those experiencing homelessness. Through shelter, housing programs, and outreach, WARM continues to provide safety, dignity, hope, and practical assistance throughout our region.

Great music. A great cause. A stronger community.

Spend your Saturday night with us at The Foundry and help support the important work WARM is doing for our neighbors throughout Waynesboro and Augusta County.

Learn more at thefoundrysound.com

08/12/2026

In just about 3 1/2 months, the Cold Weather Shelter will begin for the season. It is hard to think about frigid temps in sweltering days of summer, but WARM has been planning ahead for months.
WARM wants to extend its appreciation to the CWS host sites that have already committed or are planning to have our unsheltered neighbors stay at their churches during a likely brutal winter.

Cold Weather Shelter host sites for 2026/27 -

Fishersville United Methodist Church
Cherryvale United Methodist Church
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
Westminster Presbyterian Church Waynesboro, VA
Embrace Waynesboro - A Center for Community
Mt. Sidney Lutheran Church
Christ Lutheran Church, Staunton
Tinkling Springs Presbyterian Church
First Baptist Waynesboro, VA
Memorial Baptist Church, Staunton
St. John's UMC, Staunton
Blue Ridge Chapel Church of the Brethren
Waynesboro Free Methodist Church
Springdale Mennonite Church
Bridge Christian Church
Mountain View Church
Waynesboro Seventh-day Adventist
Main Street United Methodist Church
Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church

There are still weeks available for the upcoming season. And the need is great! WARM hopes congregations prayerfully consider serving as a host site this year.

Isaiah 58:7 asks this, "Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?" (NIV)

Who among us can say they will not fall into homelessness someday?

08/03/2026

With the colder months fast approaching, WARM has spent all spring and summer getting ready for this season's Cold Weather Shelter, which begins Monday, November 23. A critical part of serving our unsheltered neighbors during the frigid months is moving shelter equipment (cots, linens) and some of the neighbors' belongings by trailer to shelter sites within Augusta County and both cities.

WARM is currently seeking a volunteer(s) to assist with hauling our trailer Monday mornings to and from sites using your truck(s). Our lead driver, John Kappes, has faithfully done this for years and serves as team leader. If you have looked to serve WARM's ministry is some way, please prayerfully consider this🙏🙏🏿.

If interested, please call CWS Manager at (540) 490-1954.