As temperatures drop, the Beacon of Hope Emergency Shelter in Winchester is experiencing increased demand, driven by both the weather and the growing number of people struggling with economic uncertainty.
The shelter, which typically houses 60 to 80 people, has seen a gradual increase in residents coming and going as more working-class families find themselves unable to afford necessities.
“We see people coming in now that we normally wouldn’t see coming in, working-class families,” said Tammy Goldy, who works with the shelter. “Like they’re faced with the decision of, am I going to pay my bills or am I going to provide food for my family and my children?”…