HARTS, DSS & House of Hope Highlight Services at Community Forum

Several local organizations that provide support services to Warren County residents were represented at the South River District community forum held on March 15 at Skyline High School.

Among them was Michelle Smeltzer, serving as a community liaison, who shared information about several organizations working together to assist residents in need, including the Warren County Department of Social Services, HARTS (Hope and Rest Temporary Shelter), and House of Hope.

Michelle Smeltzer shares information about community resources and nonprofit organizations during the South River District community forum at Skyline High School on March 15.

Smeltzer said the Department of Social Services (DSS) offers a wide range of programs that support families, seniors, and individuals throughout the community. These services include assistance with utilities, connecting residents with senior resources, helping families access child services, and providing employment support through a job development program.

DSS also recently hosted a community resource day at Samuels Public Library, which Smelter said brought strong participation from residents seeking information about available services.

The forum also highlighted the work of HARTS, a faith-based organization that operates a seasonal winter shelter for people experiencing homelessness.

HARTS provides a warm, safe place to sleep, along with meals and basic necessities, for adults experiencing homelessness. The shelter operates as a low-barrier program serving men and women over 18 and does not require sobriety testing for guests.

The shelter is currently operating through March 28 at Front Royal Presbyterian Church on Luray Avenue, with volunteers and church partners helping provide services.

This winter presented additional challenges for volunteers. During particularly cold periods, the shelter remained open around the clock for about 10 consecutive days to ensure guests had a safe place to stay.

Funding for the shelter comes solely from donations and community fundraising, rather than from direct government funding.

One of the organization’s largest annual fundraising efforts is “The Coldest Night of the Year,” a winter fundraising walk that supports shelter operations and homelessness programs. Organizers set a fundraising goal of $50,000 this year and were approaching that total as the campaign continued.

Another community partner, House of Hope, also provides support services and is preparing for its upcoming Empty Bowl Supper fundraiser on May 14 at New Hope Bible Church.

The Empty Bowl Supper is an annual event that raises funds to support programs assisting residents facing financial hardship and food insecurity.

Smelter said events like the South River forum help residents learn about services available in Warren County and connect directly with organizations that provide assistance.

Through partnerships among local nonprofits, churches, and government agencies, the organizations represented at the event continue to work together to address housing needs, food insecurity, and other challenges facing residents in the community.