Our History

Winchester Rescue Mission has been serving people experiencing homelessness and poverty in our community since 1973.  Over the years, we have grown and changed to meet the needs of those we serve.

Winchester Rescue Mission continues to see broken lives restored, individuals gaining employment, and husbands and wives being accepted back to the embrace of their spouses and children.

Timeline

  • July 1973 - Morris Whitacre borrowed $20,000 and purchased 435 N Cameron Street to build a shelter for homeless men in downtown Winchester, Virginia.

    October 1973 - Winchester Rescue Mission officially opened and housed its first residents. The goal was to introduce them to Jesus Christ so that He can make them new, and restore their lives.

    1978 - Pastor Lee Stone named Executive Director and led the mission for 34 years.

    1985 - Mission expanded by adding a new commercial kitchen, larger pantry, and bed space increased to 35.

  • 2012 - Pastor Roy Menefee named Executive Director.

    2014–  Neil Connors named Executive Director.

    Feb 2016 –  Brandan Thomas was officially named Chief Executive Officer after serving on the Board of Directors.

    Feb 15, 2018 -  Center for Women, named Stone house after long-time Executive Director, Lee Stone, opened to bring life-changing shelter programs for women.

    June 2019 – The Mission received a facelift with the addition of a mural depicting Matthew 25.

    September 2019 – Inaugural Rescue Ride: a cross-country journey to raise awareness of the homeless crisis in America and the role mental illness plays in the crisis.

  • October 2020 – Mental health services became a top priority and collaboration was established with NorthWestern Community Service Board.

    March 2020 – The Mission was deemed "essential" during the COVID-19 crisis. Our doors stayed open and all programs continued to operate.

    April 2020 - A bed emergency shelter was temporarily established inside the armory building on the campus of Shenandoah University during the governor's stay-in-place order. The shelter provided beds for men and women, three meals a day, clothing, and access to case managers.

    July 2021 - The mission purchased a building on Valley Avenue which, once renovated, will allow for the expansion of services.

    March 2022 - Winchester Rescue Mission is named "Non-Profit of the Year" by the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber.

    October 1st, 2023 - Brandon Thomas accepts new role with the CityGate Network. Lauren Clouse named Interim CEO of the Winchester Rescue Mission

    November 29th, 2023 - Lauren Clouse officially named next CEO of Winchester Rescue Mission by the WRM Board of Directors