Our new facility at 2655 Valley Ave.
Opening Early Fall in 2025
Why we are expanding
An estimated 400 people experience homelessness in our region on any given day. As the only year-round shelter in the area, our current facility is only able to meet 12% of that need. Additionally, it lacks the capacity to provide on-site solutions for the growing challenges faced by the unhoused community.
New life in a historic location
For decades, the iconic building at 2655 Valley Avenue nourished our community—both in spirit and in body—most notably as home to Duff’s Restaurant and Rickshaw Yam’s. Purchased by Winchester Rescue Mission in 2021, the building will soon continue its legacy as the Beacon of Light Center, offering expanded programs and services for the region’s unhoused population while also contributing to the revitalization of the surrounding Valley Avenue community.
What are we doing with our current location?
We are in the final stages of planning how to make the most effective use of both facilities, guided by the following objectives:
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Winchester Rescue Mission has always focused on anticipating and addressing the needs of our community, rather than simply reacting to challenges as they arise or clinging to approaches that no longer work. Whatever next steps we take will reflect that same forward-thinking spirit.
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As an organization entirely funded by donations and generosity, we have a responsibility to steward our resources as efficiently as possible. As we move toward opening our new facility, maximizing that efficiency remains a top priority.
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Winchester Rescue Mission offers a wide range of services to the community. As we prepare to open our new facility, we are working to ensure that these services are delivered where we can be most effective with our resources, while also eliminating unnecessary overlap with other community providers.
See photos of the construction progress below…
Volunteer
Group Projects
We’re preparing for several upcoming group volunteer opportunities and will share details as they’re confirmed. If your group is interested in serving, please have the group leader fill out the form below. The list that follows includes examples of the kinds of projects we’ll need help with.
Assembling beds and storage shelving
Moving and setting up bunk beds and lockers from Cameron St. to Valley Ave.
Landscaping: planting trees, pruning, and seeding grass
Moving furniture from storage into the new building
Possibly moving café furniture from Cameron to Valley
Your Gift Opens Doors.
Your generosity builds more than a facility - it builds futures. Every gift to this campaign helps open the doors to expanded care, deeper healing, and lasting transformation for those we serve. Whether you make a one-time donation or choose to give monthly and become a Hope Investor, you are investing real hope into the lives of real people.
*Checks can be made payable to Winchester Rescue Mission with Valley Ave Campaign on the memo line and mailed to 435 N. Cameron St. Winchester, VA 22601
Naming opportunities are also available throughout the new facility—a meaningful way to show your support, honor someone special, or leave a lasting legacy. Each named space will reflect the hope and dignity we’re building together. In addition, you can choose to make a one-time gift or a pledged commitment to help bring this vision to life over time. To learn more or take your next step, both options are linked below.
Donation
Needs
Details and item lists coming soon…