Our new facility at 2655 Valley Ave.
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?
Our immediate focus is getting the new Valley Avenue facility fully operational.
Once settled, we will carefully evaluate the best future use of the Cameron Street building, including what ministries and services could be launched or re-opened.
As a fully donor-funded organization, we are committed to the wisest stewardship of our resources and assets to best serve our community now and in the future.
Important Dates and Events
Volunteer “New Facility Orientation” Open House
Saturday, October 25 - Anytime 4:00-7:00PM
Our current volunteers are invited to come and get familiar with the new policies, procedures, and layout of the new building & kitchen.
2655 Valley Ave. Winchester VA 22601
Moving Day!
Monday, October 27
This will be the big day we move all of our residents and clients from our current facility on Cameron St. to our new facility on Valley Ave. This will also mark the move of all ministries and volunteer opportunities to Valley Ave, except for Cameron Market.
We will be settling in over the course of Monday and Tuesday, so volunteers are encouraged to check the POINT app for any changes to volunteer needs and schedules for those days.
See below for a timeline on how community groceries and meals will be impacted over the following weeks as we settle in to the new space and programs.
How Meals & Market are being impacted during the transition
Monday Oct. 27 & Tuesday Oct. 28
Cameron Market will be closed for these two days.
Sunday Oct. 26
This is the last day Dinners & Lunches will be served at Cameron St.
Monday Oct. 27
Lunch and Dinner volunteering will move to Valley Ave, but will only be serving meals to the residents in our program, initially.
Wednesday Oct. 29 - Friday Nov. 14
We will have carryout lunches available on weekdays at 11:30AM at Cameron St. during this interim.
No other meals will be served at Cameron St. on evenings or weekends.
Monday Nov. 17
Dinners and Lunches will open to the community at 2655 Valley Ave, going forward, every day of the week.
Carryout lunches will no longer be available at Cameron St.
The only food ministry that will continue at our Cameron St. facility will be Cameron Market, providing groceries every weekday morning at 10AM as always.
Volunteer
Projects
We're excited to announce that we're close to moving into our new facility on Valley Avenue! This is a huge step forward for our mission, and we're so grateful for your continued support. As we prepare for the big move, we need your help with a few key tasks in the coming days and weeks.
How You Can Help
We're looking for volunteers to assist with moving into our new facility! If you have a truck or trailer and are able to help, please let us know!
To sign up for a specific day or task, please fill out our volunteer form below. Your support is crucial to making this move a success. Thank you for being a part of this exciting new chapter!
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
We have many opportunities for you to help prepare us for opening. Below is a list of some of the items we still need to fully furnish the new facility and get it ready.
Offices, Meeting Rooms, and Classrooms
Desk Chairs (Need 10)
Printer/Copier (Need 2)
Classroom Chairs (Need 30)
TV Sets (60+inch) (2 or 3)
Computer's for Workstations (x4)
Kitchen and Cafe
Bowl, Plates, Mugs, Cups, and Flatware
TV Sets (60+inch) (2)
Coffee Makers (x2)
Drink Dispenser (x1)
Dining Tables (x13)
Dining Chairs (x48)
Dormitories and Bedrooms
Linens (x30)
Chairs (x25)
Other Equipment
Lawn Mower
Lawn Trimmer
AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
If you're interested in providing some of these needs, please contact our Development Director, Sam Rogers, to work out the details, find out how many are still needed, and how you can go about providing them.