In early 2023, a group of local church leaders began to have conversations about the increasing number of financial requests we were receiving for rent and utilities. This increase, combined with the decrease of affordable housing, led this group to begin dreaming about a non-profit that could not only provide financial assistance to individuals, but also connect them with other resources and organizations for more long-term support.

In November 2023, the Housing Emergency Relief Organization (HERO) of Waynesboro was launched. Churches, organizations, and individuals are able to donate to HERO, knowing that their donations will provide emergency relief to those at risk of eviction or utility cut-off. Through our intake process, our team of volunteers assess the ways we can support the individuals with their immediate needs.

Our mission is to support those in Waynesboro who are facing housing insecurity, regardless of race, religion, or identity. We believe that all people have the right to affordable housing. Our goal is to work to prevent individuals from becoming homeless because of eviction or utility cut-off through financial assistance from churches, organizations, and individuals.