HARTS of Warren Prepares to Reopen Winter Shelter with Community Support

As the temperatures begin to drop, HARTS, Hope and Rest Temporary Shelter, is gearing up to open its doors once again, offering warmth, safety, and compassion to those in need during the coldest months of the year. This year, the shelter opens on Sunday, December 7, and will operate daily from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. through March 28, hosted once again at the Presbyterian Church in Front Royal.

Founded as a low-barrier shelter, HARTS welcomes adults 18 and older, including both men and women, without requiring them to meet strict entry criteria. “We take people as they are,” said Michelle Smeltzer, a HARTS volunteer and local social services professional. The only expectation? Follow the rules, behave respectfully, and treat the space and others with dignity.

HARTS is a community-supported nonprofit, not a government service, although many of its volunteers, such as Smeltzer and her colleague Nichole Johns, work in social services by day and volunteer at the shelter by night. “People sometimes assume the government runs this because of where we work,” said Smeltzer. “But this is a completely volunteer-driven nonprofit, supported entirely by the community.”

What HARTS Provides

Each evening, shelter guests are offered:

• A hot, homemade dinner prepared by local churches, civic organizations, or generous individuals
• A continental-style breakfast and often grab-and-go lunch items
• A warm, safe place to sleep
• Access to case management, referrals, and connection to services, including mental health, employment support, and housing

Importantly, well-behaved pets are welcome, a policy that removes a major barrier for many individuals experiencing homelessness who would otherwise be forced to leave their animals behind.

“Last year, we served 75 individuals over the season,” said Smeltzer. “About 33% of them transitioned to permanent housing, some even gained employment and are now paying rent. That’s the goal.  We want people to move forward.”

How You Can Help

Running a shelter for nearly four months is no small task. “It costs a lot to operate, even though guests stay for free,” said Smeltzer. Here’s how community members can get involved:

Provide a Meal

Volunteers are needed to prepare and serve dinner throughout the season. “Some just drop off meals, others stay to serve,” said Smeltzer. A signup link will soon be available on the HARTS website, but interested groups can start planning now.

Be a Van Driver

HARTS provides transportation to and from the shelter using a 12-passenger van. No CDL is required. Shifts typically take under an hour.

Donate Supplies

The shelter is accepting donations of:

• Coffee, powdered drinks, creamers
• Paper goods (cups, napkins, paper towels)
• Snacks, breakfast bars, non-perishable lunch items
• Cash donations are always welcome and go directly to operations.

To donate, visit www.hartsofwarren.org or mail a check to P.O. Box 454, Front Royal, VA 22630.

Upcoming Fundraiser: Coldest Night of the Year

Mark your calendars for February 28, 2026. HARTS will once again host its largest annual fundraiser, The Coldest Night of the Year, an international campaign that raises awareness and funds for individuals experiencing homelessness. Last year, the group raised $24,000. This year, the goal is a bold $50,000, with at least $10,000 in sponsorships.

Details will be announced soon, and the community is invited to participate by walking, sponsoring, or donating.

Why It Matters

Homelessness is not one-size-fits-all. “There’s no single reason why people end up with us,” said Smeltzer. “Job loss, illness, domestic violence, addiction, it could be anyone. It could be you.”

HARTS’ work is about offering hope when people need it most. And with the support of volunteers and donors, lives are being changed, one warm meal, one safe night, one person at a time.

It’s often said that people don’t care what you know until they know you care, and according to Smeltzer, this community truly does.”