Spotlight on City of Refuge in Hopewell
FALL / WINTER 2026 ISSUE | 7 minute read
City of Refuge in Hopewell: Bringing Light, Hope, and Transformation
During our annual fundraising event called “The Gathering 2026 Portraits of Hope” We were able to share what God has done over the past year at City of Refuge in Hopewell, Virginia. We have witnessed God’s faithfulness through the dedicated work of our staff, volunteers, and community partners as we address the challenges of addiction, homelessness, and food insecurity. Through the compassion of the local church and the commitment of community leaders, we continue to demonstrate the love of Christ by meeting practical needs and helping individuals move toward lasting stability and transformation.
Since April 2025, in partnership with local churches and community organizations, we have provided more than 10,000 hot meals to individuals experiencing food insecurity. Beyond meeting immediate needs, our ministry has offered job assistance, clothing, and transportation. We have also helped six individuals obtain automobiles, providing them with greater independence and improved access to employment and other essential services.
In November 2025, City of Refuge partnered with the City of Hopewell and other community leaders to open the Hope Center, expanding our efforts to serve individuals experiencing homelessness. Since opening, more than 140 individuals have come through our doors seeking assistance, with many moving toward more stable housing opportunities. Recognizing the importance of safe and supportive housing, we also partnered with Wells of Hope and the Church of the Nazarene to open a transitional home for five men, helping them take meaningful steps from homelessness toward stability and independence.
Our commitment to addressing addiction and rebuilding lives has been a central part of our ministry since 2018. During that time, more than 100 individuals have graduated from our programs, gaining practical skills and support to overcome addiction, reconnect with their families, secure employment, obtain housing, and continue their journey of sobriety. These accomplishments represent more than program milestones; they reflect lives being restored, families being strengthened, and individuals discovering renewed hope for the future.
In October 2024, we partnered with First Christian Church in Hopewell to establish a sober living home for men. Since its opening, more than 40 men have resided in the home as they worked toward recovery and transitioned into more permanent housing. Additionally, through our partnership with the City Point Restoration Food Pantry, we have been able to provide groceries to individuals and families participating in our programs, helping address the ongoing challenge of food insecurity.
The ministry of City of Refuge in Hopewell continues to grow and expand. This year, we purchased a new building to increase our capacity to serve the community. Looking ahead, we are developing plans for a home for women and seeking to expand our wraparound services to include mental health skill building, job training, legal assistance, financial literacy, and family support. Our vision is to address not only the immediate challenges individuals face but also the underlying barriers that can prevent them from moving forward.
As a ministry of the local church, we believe the Gospel calls us to do more than offer temporary relief. We are called to walk alongside people, help restore dignity, strengthen families, and provide opportunities for lasting change. Through the faithfulness of God, the generosity of our partners, and the compassion of our volunteers, City of Refuge in Hopewell is continuing to bring light, hope, and transformation to our community.
We are grateful to our Church of God partners, our volunteer, and community leaders who have joined us in this mission. Together, we are seeing what can happen when the church steps beyond its walls and becomes a tangible expression of Christ’s love to a world in need.
—Pastor Thurman Collier
City Point Restoration Church (Hopewell)