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Waynesboro Area Refuge Ministry presents plan and $48,500 budget to open day center for unsheltered residents
Summary
WARM executive director Alec Gunn outlined a pilot day center offering daytime services and referrals, proposed annual operating budget of about $48,500 and partnerships with local health, social-service and faith organizations.
Alec Gunn, executive director of the Waynesboro Area Refuge Ministry (WARM), presented a proposal to Staunton City Council on Sept. 11 for a day center to provide a daytime safe space, basic services and referrals for people experiencing homelessness.
Gunn said the center would offer rest, resource connections and support “in a dignified setting” and described a proposed annual operating budget of roughly $48,500. The budget items Gunn listed included about $30,000 for support staff, $5,000 for rent and utilities, $4,000 for supplies, $2,000 for transportation assistance, $2,000 for insurance and licensing, $1,500 for program costs, $2,000 for emergency assistance and a $2,000 contingency reserve.
Gunn described a pilot operating model of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on two to three days per week, with the aim of expanding to five days a week as demand and funding allow. He said the center would not be an overnight shelter but would focus on connecting participants to housing and services and on “swarm” outreach on non-center days.
The proposal named several partners: Embrace (a regional community assistance network), the Augusta Health mobile clinic (planned visits once or twice weekly), Mary Baldwin College social work staff for on-site counseling, and Habitat for Humanity’s mobile shower unit (pending availability). Gunn said First Presbyterian Church has agreed to host and is “extremely excited” to support the project.
Council members asked about the monthly operating cost breakdown and sustainability; Gunn said the $48,500 figure is annual and that WARM plans to pursue donations, community foundations and fundraising to sustain operations. Gunn told council he would send a written recap of the proposal and the budget to city staff, as requested.
No formal council action was taken; councilors requested a written proposal and additional financial detail to accompany any future city funding requests.
