Coldest Night of the Year Walk to Support HARTS Shelter

Warren County residents will take to the streets this Saturday, February 22, for the Coldest Night of the Year Walk, an event aimed at raising awareness and funds for HARTS (Hope and Rest Temporary Shelter). The walk, which is part of an international movement to highlight homelessness and housing insecurity, will help support the only winter shelter in the county.

The event begins at First Baptist Church, with check-in at 4 p.m., opening ceremonies at 4:45 p.m., and the walk starting at 5 p.m. Participants will follow a one-mile loop through downtown Front Royal, with an option to walk a second lap.

So far, the event has seen strong community support, with over 100 walkers and 23 teams already signed up, raising more than $13,000. Local businesses Clear Horizon Forensic and Counseling Group ($5,000) and Axalta ($1,000) have stepped up as major sponsors.

“This is our first year hosting the event, and the response has been incredible,” said HARTS organizer Michelle Smeltzer. “It’s not just about fundraising—it’s about bringing awareness to the struggles faced by the homeless in our community.”

A Critical Need for Support

HARTS operates as a temporary winter shelter, offering a warm place to stay, meals, and other resources for those experiencing homelessness. Currently, the shelter is near capacity, serving about 30 guests per night, with a maximum limit of 35.

“Our guests are people you might not even realize are struggling,” said Nicole Johns, another organizer. “Many have jobs, but they don’t have stable housing. The cold weather makes their situation even harder.”

HARTS also accommodates pets, recognizing that many people experiencing homelessness are reluctant to seek shelter if they have to leave their animals behind.

Running the shelter requires more than just space—it takes volunteers, donations, and financial support. Currently, snack items for bagged lunches are in high demand, as well as general funding to keep the shelter open.

“We go through snacks really fast,” Smeltzer said. “A lot of people don’t realize how much it takes to keep a shelter running, from food to transportation to paid staff who stay overnight.”

After the walk, On Cue Sports Bar and Grill will provide a meal, giving participants a chance to warm up and reflect on the impact of their efforts.

Still Time to Join

There’s still time to register for the walk or donate to a team. Two teams—Dyno-Mite and Dynamic Dynos—lead the way in a friendly competition, with walkers fundraising to support HARTS.

For more information or to sign up, visit the HARTS Facebook page or head to First Baptist Church on February 22 at 4 p.m.

Community Resource Fair Also Coming in March

In addition to the Coldest Night walk, another event will connect Warren County residents with vital services. The Community Resource Fair, hosted by the Department of Social Services (DSS), will take place on March 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Warren County Community Center.

This quarterly event gathers over 20 local organizations offering job assistance, food support, housing resources, and more. It’s also a great place to explore volunteer opportunities and network with local service providers.

“If you need help or want to give back, this is the place to start,” Johns said.

For more information, contact the Department of Social Services.