As Williamsburg’s emergency winter shelter program, Community of Faith Mission offers a roof overhead in times of need.
More than shelter, Community of Faith provides a warm meal at night, breakfast in the morning and lunch to go. It provides safety and fellowship.
Community of Faith will hold its second annual Warm Up Williamsburg fundraiser on Friday. As the nonprofit’s only fundraiser, co-president Kathy Banfield said the event is key to sustaining the program.
Warm up Williamsburg offers an evening of soup-tasting, with soups prepared by chefs from area eateries: Aromas, Carrot Tree, Center Street Grill, the Coffeehouse, The Community Café, Fat Canary/Cheese Shop, Food for Thought, Fresh Market, Hogarth’s Table, Martin’s, Paul’s Deli, Plaza Azteca, Sal’s by Victor, Second Street Bistro and Victoria’s.
With bread from Panera, desserts and live music from JNM Band and DoubleTake A Cappella, “What better way to spend a Friday night in January,” Banfield said.
Founded in 2012 by Banfield and Renee Collins to assist Williamsburg’s homeless population, Community of Faith encompasses 32 local faith groups. Groups combine volunteers and resources to operate the shelter for an 18-week period from November to March.
During the 2014-2015 season, 109 different individuals utilized the shelter. Though the current season is only about halfway through, Banfield said the shelter has already served 84 different individuals.
“We do refer people out to the different services and providers in the community,” Banfield said. She said Community of Faith aims to provide a bridge between homelessness and permanent housing.
For more information, visit COFM.info.
Bridges can be reached by phone at 757-275-4934.
Want to go?
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 29
Where: Williamsburg United Methodist Church, 500 Jamestown Road
Tickets: $20
For reservations and information, visit COFM.info or call 220-0484.
