It all started with a coat drive.
In October 2010, Pastor Wendy Roundy held a coat drive in New Kent where very few came to receive the donated winter wear. She took the rest to hand out in downtown Richmond, following a suggestion from a friend. By the end of the day, most of the coats had been distributed to the large homeless population residing there.
“The rest is kind of history,” said Roundy.
This was the birth of Helping the Homeless Ministries, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, now embarking on its 15th year of service in Gloucester County and beyond.
The ministry began serving the homeless in Richmond, Newport News, Williamsburg and Hampton. Members also served meals to volunteers who were assisting with disaster relief initiatives in different areas. This sparked an idea for Roundy.
“Why don’t we start feeding hungry people in our area,” Roundy had asked herself.
This thought empowered Roundy to create a mobile food bus, which currently visits Gloucester, Mathews, King William and Middl...