A traditional shelter is not always the optimal environment for a homeless family with children. A home can provide a family in transition a greater sense of security and protection.
That was the spark behind the creation of Grace Haven, a one-story home on Ironbound Road, and the first homeless shelter to cater to families throughout Greater Williamsburg.
Langley for Families, founded in 2014 as the charitable arm of Langley Federal Credit Union, recently donated $2,550 to Grace Haven through the Greater Williamsburg Outreach Mission (GWOM), to further the program’s mission.
“Grace Haven is intended specifically to provide a stable setting for children for their emotional well-being, and to provide the atmosphere in which the family can transition successfully to living in permanent housing,” said Carl Gerhold, vice-chair of GWOM.
GWOM is a coalition of 22 area faith-based groups that coordinate with one another to address homelessness. The mission operates The Harbor, a day shelter for the homeless, as well as a community kitchen.
“Moreover, Grace Haven operates year-round. I believe that the uniqueness of Grace Haven’s mission and the emphasis on families with children struck a responsive chord with the people who evaluated our proposal,” Gerhold said.
For more information on Grace Haven click here.
