Homeless seek refuge at Winter Shelter

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - 1,400 people in Hampton Roads are considered homeless, and 517 of those are in Virginia Beach.

That's why Virginia Beach has The Winter Shelter program which brings together 55 churches and synagogues.

Each faith community offers a warm place and a warm meal for a week. The program takes the homeless off the street during the winter and gives them a sense of normalcy.

"If you are on the weather watch wait list stand over here," shouted Brian Williams who is employed by the Volunteers of America, which operates the Lighthouse Center.

Williams organizes the Winter Shelter Program. Wednesday night was so cold the center took anyone who is homeless rather than the 60 regular clients who take part in the Winter Shelter program. On Wednesday night, 89 showed up for shelter. After they were organized, they were put on buses and taken to Foundry United Methodist Church.

Joseph and Linda McGuire met there and married four weeks ago.

"We are strong for each other. Under these conditions, it's just hard on everybody. I just got hired at Krogers, so I will be going to work," said Linda.

Emmanuel Moses Carter Jr. was a Vietnam vet, and wanted to be interviewed next to the Christmas tree. He's homeless, but feels blessed for his life and the Winter Shelter program.

"This is a beautiful thing. It's a place to come to be warm, to get food, to get a roof over my head," Carter said.

Wanda Mozelle was a Substitute Teacher's Assistant at Hermitage Elementary School by day. At night, she's homeless looking for more hours at school.

"I don't take my problems to school. I'm here to get on my feet," said Mozelle.

"The shelters have seen higher numbers last year and this year. The numbers are up because of lack of affordable housing, but because of the cold we have people coming in who can't stay outside," said Deborah Maloney, director of the Lighthouse Center.

Mike Spiller bought a lap top during better times, and now he uses it to job search. He is resilient. "This is not my future. It's just a matter of time before I get my next job."

This winter, the Winter Shelter program will give shelter and food to 11,000 homeless people over the cold frigid nights of winter.