Our history
Empowering Lives, Inspiring Hope: The Journey of COFM
COFM has grown tremendously over its short history to become a respected and stabilizing force in the lives of those who find themselves without shelter during the coldest months of the year. Community leaders and the faith community rely on COFM to meet a critical community need. An army of volunteers makes this effort happen through the leadership and foresight of the Board of Directors.
Timeline
Co-founders Kathy Banfield and Renee Collins identified the need for shelter, conducted research, and sought support from the community.
During Season Two, COFM expanded to an 18-week shelter season, partnered with the jail for laundry services, and collaborated with the YMCA for showers.
Season Three saw continued growth in partnerships, including a large grant from outside the faith community, a security volunteer, and the addition of Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training. The first soup sale event, called Warm Up Williamsburg, became an annual fundraising event.
Season Four we hired the first paid intern, shelter manager, and executive director, and established strategic goals.
Season Five focused on donor engagement, initiated the $359 Campaign, completed the first financial audit, and became a member of Chamber of Commerce.
Season Six saw increased shelter stays, successful fundraisers (Warm Up Williamsburg, $359 Campaign), improved donor engagement, and financial accountability measures implemented.
Season Seven marked remarkable growth with 2,132 stays for 105 guests, empowering 39 individuals to secure employment, pioneered housing referrals, reserves, security measures, and added key staff positions.
Remaining true to our Mission Statement, we offered shelter for eight seasons, engaged 32 faith groups, added board members, and focused on safety, donors, and housing referrals. Welcoming new leadership, we housed and fed 125 guests.
In Season Nine we collaborated with CoH and local authorities, enhancing safety with air purifiers, plexiglass barriers, and sanitization. Modified guest procedures for screenings, check-in, and hygiene. Provided shelter for 47 guests.
Season Ten we persisted with elevated sanitary requirements and procedures. An overnight shelter manager was added. The shelter completed 18 weeks of shelter with a combination of church and hotel stays. Sheltered 122 guests.
During Season Eleven, many traditional church host sites came back on board. COFM board updated policy and procedures as well as fine tuning the fiduciary stewardship of donations.
At COFM, our commitment to serving the homeless community remains unwavering. As we navigate through challenging times, we are going above and beyond to ensure safety without compromising our mission. Rest assured, we will be there to support and shelter those in need this coming season and beyond.
“For I was hungry,
and you fed me.
I was thirsty,
and
you gave me drink.
I was a stranger
and
you invited me in."
- Matthew 25:35
Personal or Business Donations
are greatly appreciated.
COFM offers a unique opportunity to invest locally and see the tangible results firsthand. By choosing us, you support a trustworthy organization that ensures your charity money directly benefits the Greater Williamsburg Area, creating a resilient community we can all be proud of.