By Diana McFarland

Managing editor

After years of sharing spaces at various Isle of Wight County churches, the Mission of Home shelter has found its own permanent home. 

The overnight stay homeless shelter is now located in the former Great Spring Church of the Nazarene building at 13390 Great Spring Road in Smithfield.

The building was given to The Garage ministry leader Anthony Robinette, who is also president of Mission of Hope. {mprestriction ids=”1,2,3,4,5,6″}

“It has been a blessing,” said Robinette, who noted that last year the shelter had the least amount of support in its decade of existence.

If this year was to be a repeat of last year, the operation would probably have folded, he said.

In the past, churches took turns providing space, volunteers and supplies, and at one time, had 20 churches participating. Last year, another church had decided to stop participating and that was a blow, Robinette said.

However, the permanent facility has opened up volunteer opportunities for those not affiliated with a church, said Robinette.

Another bonus of having a permanent facility is that Mission of Hope has expanded its program by two weeks and this season it will open Nov. 25 through March 31. The opening day will include a Thanksgiving type meal, Robinette said.

As it has in the past, Mission of Hope is open from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. and provides dinner, breakfast and a bag lunch. The facility also has a portable shower available. Transportation will be provided at two locations in Smithfield, at Royal Farms, 1201 S. Church St. and the Luter Family YMCA, 259 James St.

The shelter plans to remain open all day on Christmas Day, as well as days when the weather is especially bad, Robinette said.

Robinette has also moved his Garage ministry, formerly located behind Ringo’s Donuts, to the Great Spring Road facility. 

Future plans for Mission of Hope include creating a food pantry, Robinette said.

Donations are always welcome, particularly paper goods and hygiene items, Robinette said.

For more information, visit the Mission of Hope Facebook page at or call 372-3174.  {/mprestriction}