February brings awareness to many important issues, from heart health to mental wellness. While these causes are top of mind, it’s also one of the coldest months of the year. Winter’s grip is still strong, making the need for critical resources for homelessness support in our community even more urgent. Food, shelter, and well-being are always essential, but when the temperatures drop and nights stretch long, accessing warmth and basic needs becomes a real challenge. This is the perfect time to reflect on the many resources, including those for homelessness support, healthcare, transportation, and food access, that help our community year-round.

It is the mission of Our Health to bridge the gap for underserved and under-resourced individuals in our community. It is through connecting people to the organizations that provide critical resources that we live into our mission. The organizations in our network are committed to meeting the essential needs of individuals and families. Some of these vital resources include:

• Healthcare Services: Access to primary care and mental health support is vital for overall wellbeing. Organizations like the Sinclair Health Clinic help ensure that no one falls through the cracks.
• Food Access: Programs such as Blue Ridge Area Food Bank help families who may be struggling with food insecurity.
• Transportation: Services like Wheels 4 Wellness provide free rides to medical appointments, making healthcare more accessible.
• Mental Health Support: Crisis intervention services, like the Concern Hotline, are here to listen and help when someone is struggling.

One organization dedicated to providing critical resources specifically for homelessness support is WATTS (Winchester Area Temporary Thermal Shelter). WATTS’s mission is to break the cycle of homelessness one life at a time by empowering individuals to re-enter the workforce and providing safe, temporary shelter during extreme weather. Since 2009, WATTS has been offering shelter to individuals who may not qualify for other local programs, particularly during the coldest weeks of winter. Their services include:

• 21 weeks of overnight shelter from November to March
• Daytime Warming and Cooling Centers
• Transition Out of Homelessness Program
  These programs ensure that individuals experiencing homelessness have the support and resources they need to regain their independence and rebuild their lives.

WATTS is hosting its annual Coldest Night of the Year fundraising walk on February 22nd, starting at 4 p.m. This event raises funds to support their mission and ensures that they can continue providing shelter and services to those in need during the harsh winter months. Participants will walk to raise awareness and funds to help WATTS break the cycle of homelessness in our community. This is a perfect opportunity to come together and show support for those who need critical resources for homelessness support.

You can help ensure that our neighbors in need have access to critical resources for homelessness support by participating in the Coldest Night of the Year walk. Whether you’re walking, donating, or sharing information about the event, your support makes a lasting impact. By joining forces, we can help WATTS continue to provide a safe place for individuals to sleep, a warm space to rest, and a pathway out of homelessness in our community.

As we move through February, let’s stay focused on the larger picture—connecting individuals to the support and resources that make their lives better. Organizations like WATTS are integral in filling those gaps, and with your help, we can all contribute to a more connected and supported community. 

Join WATTS on February 22nd for the Coldest Night of the Year and help make a difference in someone’s life.