'It's our job to love everybody': Winchester Rescue Mission celebrating 50 years of caring for the homeless
WINCHESTER — In July 1973, Morris Whitaker took out a $20,000 loan and bought a building at 435 N. Cameron St. to convert it into a homeless shelter for men. Three months later, in October 1973, the Winchester Rescue Mission welcomed its first guests.
Virginia Sheriff on Mission to Connect Unclaimed Remains With Families
WINCHESTER - "My goal in the moment was to bring dignity to these individuals," Thomas said. "Knowing these individuals have passed away, if nothing else, their name was said out loud, and, again, it was a honor just to get to be part of that moment."
A little slice of love
WINCHESTER - The mobile Love Kitchen operated by the Little Caesars chain of pizza restaurants pulled up in front of the Winchester.
Blessing offered for ashes of unclaimed individuals
WINCHESTER — The property room at the Frederick County Sheriff's Office is home to the cremated remains of 22 individuals.
Covid’s mental health crisis hits one family
WINCHESTER — Pastor Brandan Thomas had just stepped away from the homeless shelter he runs when his buzzing phone signaled another mental health crisis.
Homeless no more
WINCHESTER — This is the story of Scott and Harley and how they saved each other’s lives.
Scott is a 51-year-old man whose physical and mental health problems contributed to him being homeless for six years.
Harley Girl is a 4-year-old dog who spent nearly two years on the streets.
New homeless shelter could start accepting residents in March
WINCHESTER — The Winchester Rescue Mission has laid the groundwork for construction of its new homeless shelter on Valley Avenue.
There are people on the streets and something has to happen
WINCHESTER — A 50-year-old building in southern Winchester that has served as a restaurant, comedy club and loan company is evolving again.
The 11,522-square-foot, single-story building with a partially finished basement at 2655 Valley Ave. is proposed to host a new emergency homeless shelter operated by the Winchester Rescue Mission, a nonprofit organization that already operates three shelters on North Cameron, East Clifford and East Southwerk streets.
A man, a dog and the end of their fairy tale
WINCHESTER — May 12th was the happiest day of Scott Ashwood's life.
After six years of homelessness, preceded by five years of nursing home care, the 50-year-old had regained enough health and independence to move into his own apartment.
Teen raises nearly $25,000 for Winchester Rescue Mission
WINCHESTER — A 17-year-old Chantilly girl recently raised nearly $25,000 for the Winchester Rescue Mission.
Actually, that statement is not quite accurate. Mia Perdue was only 16 when she held the fundraiser, Project Lighthouse, at the International Country Club in Fairfax. She didn't turn 17 until Friday, when Mia and her brother Carter Perdue, parents Corey and Mary Beth Perdue, and grandparents Peggy and Pete Perdue delivered an oversized check for $24,750 to the mission at 435 N. Cameron St.