About Winchester House
The story of “Winchester House,” a complex that includes 81 bedroom apartments behind the Godfrey Miller Home on the Loudoun Street Mall, is proof that members of various denominations and faiths can work together.
A group of community members and clergy began meeting at Braddock St. United Methodist Church in 1970. The aim was to rent or buy a house suitable for a small number of their elderly to live in, on a share-the-expenses basis. At this time the Godfrey Miller Home was in operation on Loudoun Street, providing room and meals for elderly ladies. It was operated by a Board comprised of local Lutheran congregation members.
A representative of the GMH Board was asked to join the study. Through this the group learned that operating a home for small numbers of persons was no longer feasible. Thus the original group grew into a body of several churches when it was suggested exploration of building a large apartment complex.
An announcement was sent to all churches and the synagogue in Winchester and the county asking them to join in forming a non-profit whose sole purpose would be to provide safe, affordable housing for the elderly living on a low income. Response was good and the Shenandoah Fellowship Foundation (SFF) was chartered on August 18, 1972.
The site where Winchester House is located was chosen for its closeness to churches, doctors, and shopping, allowing the future residents accessibility within walking distance. Programming would be provided for seniors at the revised Godfrey Miller Home, having now become a senior center. Land for Winchester House was bought from Grace Lutheran Church and the Godfrey Miller Home in the spring of 1977, construction was started in the summer of 1977, and the building was dedicated May 18, 1979. Operations began shortly thereafter.
All apartments are one bedroom though some will house two persons. Tenants must be 62 or older, living on a low income, and capable of living independently. Physically handicapped persons 50 years or older may also apply for residence, and must be capable of self-care.
The apartments are between 463-534 square feet with complete kitchen, the refrigerator and stove being provided. There is a living area, dining area and considerable closet. Six apartments are designed for the physically handicapped. Pets are not permitted.
The building is keyed and supervised so that tenants and their invited guests only are permitted in the building. Each apartment has the required smoke detectors and there is a sprinkler system in the building. All bathrooms have safety bars. Rental includes all utilities except electricity, phone, internet and cable TV.
SFF maintains control of the apartment, selects tenants per HUD Section 8 criteria and is sole owner of the building. Tenant selection is in accordance with provisions of Fair Housing Law without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or genetic information. Tenants pay no more than 30% of their income in rent, the balance is subsidized by HUD under their Property Based Section 8 program. Only two full time paid staff members are on site which are our Property Manager and our Maintenance Manager. We employ part-time administrative assistants, maintenance assistance, a service coordinator, and evening attendants are available to assist residents every evening.
Today the following 21 houses of faith are listed on our roll as members of the Shenandoah Fellowship Foundation. Grace Evangelical Lutheran, Bethel Lutheran, Braddock Street UMC, First Presbyterian, Christ Episcopal, Beth El Congregation, Trinity Lutheran, First United Methodist, Shenandoah Valley Baptist, Opequon Presbyterian, Highland Memorial Presbyterian, Victory Church, Wesley UMC, John Mann UMC, Market Street UMC, Stephens City UMC, First Baptist, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Calvary Covenant Brethren, Centenary Reformed UCC and Mt. Carmel Baptist. All congregations in the area are welcome to become a part of this community effort. There is no cost to congregations seeking to become or to maintain their membership in the Foundation. The one expectation is that member congregations appoint a Board member to represent the congregation at Foundation business meetings. This Board member is to report back to his or her congregation what they have learned. The Annual business meeting of the Foundation occurs on the 4th Monday in March each year.
The fellowship relies on the generosity of the community. Volunteers in the way of Trustees and Officers who manage Winchester House and plan for its future are a constant need. Collaborating with the Godfrey Miller Home, we would also welcome congregations, civic groups, and schools to come with programming for the seniors in our community.
There is a significant need for affordable housing for low-income seniors and we are experienced in serving that population. Since HUD is no longer offering rent subsidies for new projects via the HUD Section 8 Program, we are going to have to build an endowment/financial support system to subsidize the rent of low income seniors residing at Winchester House II. This will allow us to continue to serve the seniors who need what we provide.