Community of Faith Mission

What Community of Faith Mission does

Community of Faith Mission (COFM) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization founded in 2012 by Kathy Banfield and Renee Collins to address homelessness in the Greater Williamsburg, Virginia area. COFM operates a faith-based emergency shelter program that runs for 18 weeks each winter (mid-November through mid-March), rotating weekly across 18 church host sites and accommodating up to 25 guests per night. The program provides overnight shelter, three daily meals (dinner, breakfast, and bagged lunch), hot showers at least twice per week, weekly toiletry kits, and connections to medical, mental health, employment, and housing assistance services through a network of 15+ community agencies. Its service recipients include adults, families, children, veterans, and seniors experiencing homelessness; no religion-based barriers are imposed on access.

COFM is not a technology company. Its operational infrastructure consists of the rotating host-site network, a mobile supply trailer (the GODPOD), and a Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) used solely for HUD-required statistical data collection. The organization employs 8 paid staff members (including an Executive Director and Shelter Operations Manager) and is supported by more than 2,000 volunteer shift slots logging 10,330+ hours per season. It is governed by a volunteer board of directors and an advisory council that includes representatives from local social services agencies.

Revenue is generated entirely through donations. COFM accepts individual and business contributions year-round via its website (PayPal) and mail, runs the $359 Annual Campaign (a per-night-of-shelter giving ask launched in Season Five), operates the annual Warm Up Williamsburg soup sale fundraiser featuring ~19 local restaurants, and recognizes Gold Benefactors donating $1,000 or more. Major institutional donors include Dominion Energy, the Williamsburg Community Foundation, and the Peninsula Community Foundation. The go-to-market motion is community-led: mobilizing volunteers, host congregations, partner congregations, and donor networks across the Greater Williamsburg region to support the seasonal shelter program.

Name

Community of Faith Mission

Legal name

Community of Faith Mission

Website

https://cofm.info

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Community of Faith Mission is a 501(c)(3) faith-based nonprofit that operates an 18-week rotating winter emergency shelter program across 18 church host sites in Greater Williamsburg, Virginia, serving individuals experiencing homelessness with overnight accommodation, meals, and social service referrals, funded entirely through community donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Homeless Shelter Services

NAICS

Temporary Shelters (624221), Community Housing Services (62422)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAGAJAG

Faith-Based Social Services & Community Outreach (Food Pantries, Shelters, Counseling)

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Religious & Faith-Based Organizations

SECONDARYBPAGAJAF

Faith-Based Humanitarian Aid & Relief Ministries

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Religious & Faith-Based Organizations

Keywords

• Emergency shelter services
• Homeless services
• Faith-based nonprofit
• Community outreach
• Seasonal shelter program

Headquarters

HQ city

Williamsburg

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Donations (Individual and Business): COFM relies entirely on charitable contributions from individuals and businesses. Donations are accepted year-round via the website (PayPal), during events, and through the mail. COFM is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and donations are tax-deductible within U.S. law guidelines.
2. $359 Annual Campaign: An annual fundraising campaign where donors are asked to contribute $359 to cover one night of shelter operations. This campaign was initiated in Season Five (2016-2017) and remains an annual pillar of fundraising.
3. Warm Up Williamsburg (Soup Sale): An annual fundraiser where locally donated soups from approximately 19 Williamsburg restaurants are packaged and sold for $40 per bundle of three 12-oz containers. All proceeds support COFM's shelter operations.
4. Gold Benefactor Program: Recognition program for individuals and corporations that donate $1,000 or more during a fiscal year. These major gifts represent a significant revenue stream. Gold benefactors for the 2023-2024 fiscal year included Anonymous, C Joanne Jenner, Charles & Rosalie Frey, Crow's Garage, and DayBreak Church.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Community of Faith Mission is a faith-based emergency shelter program that provides overnight accommodation, meals, hygiene facilities, and case-management referrals to individuals experiencing homelessness in the Greater Williamsburg, Virginia area. Shelter operations run for 18 weeks each winter (mid-November through mid-March), rotating weekly across 18 church host sites and accommodating up to 25 guests per night, supported entirely by charitable donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations.

Product overview

Community of Faith Mission (COFM) is a faith-based emergency shelter program operating as a network of rotating shelter locations across Greater Williamsburg, VA. The organization offers a single integrated program centered on emergency shelter services (providing nightly accommodation for up to 25 guests at rotating host churches for 18 weeks from mid-November to mid-March), complemented by meals, showers, and toiletries. Supporting this core shelter program are several fundraising and outreach products: the $359 Annual Campaign for direct shelter cost coverage, the Warm Up Williamsburg soup sale event, the Christmas Market booth, the Community Needs/Events program, a Volunteer Program for operational support, and a Partner/Host Site Network enabling service delivery. The organization also maintains a Donation Portal for general and campaign-specific contributions. There is no platform architecture; COFM does not offer a technology product.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Emergency Shelter Program
• Shelter Support Services (Meals, Showers, Toiletries, Transportation)
• Community Agency Referral Services
• $359 Annual Campaign
• Warm Up Williamsburg (Annual Soup Sale)
• Donation Portal
• Volunteer Program
• Host Sites & Partners Network
• Gold Benefactor Program
• National Homeless Person Memorial Event
• Williamsburg Christmas Market Booth

Quantifiable outcome

• Season 13 (2024-2025): 149 guests sheltered across 2,832 stays, with 8,496 meals served and 10,330+ volunteer hours logged.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

47 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Bruton Parish Episcopal ChurchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost Site for COFM's emergency shelter program. Provides physical facility (church space) to accommodate up to 25 guests per night for one week of the 18-week shelter season. Rotates on a weekly schedule with other host churches across Greater Williamsburg.
• Williamsburg United Methodist ChurchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost Site providing shelter space during one week of the shelter season. Also listed as a community agency supporter on the About page.
• Williamsburg Community ChapelcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost Site and distribution point for Warm Up Williamsburg soup pickup (Portico at 3899 John Tyler Hwy). Serves as a major shelter host site during the 18-week season.
• King of Glory Lutheran ChurchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost Site for one week of the shelter season, providing overnight accommodation for up to 25 guests. Listed on both the Host Sites page and the About page supporters section.
• Williamsburg Presbyterian ChurchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost Site providing shelter space for one week of the 18-week shelter season. Supports COFM's rotating shelter model.
• St. John Baptist ChurchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost Site for Week 1 of the 2025/2026 shelter season (November 9-16), providing shelter accommodation at 1397 Penniman Road, Williamsburg, VA.
• CrossWalk ChurchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost Site providing shelter space during one week of the shelter season at 5100 John Tyler Highway.
• Williamsburg Christian ChurchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost Site providing shelter space at 200 John Tyler Lane. Also serves as the venue for the National Homeless Person Memorial Event each Winter Solstice (December 21).
• Life Church (Williamsburg)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost Site providing shelter accommodation at 4451 Longhill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188, during one week of the shelter season.
• Grace Covenant Presbyterian ChurchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost Site providing shelter space at 1677 Jamestown Road during one week of the 18-week season.
• St. Martin's Episcopal ChurchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost Site providing shelter accommodation at 1333 Jamestown Road for one week of the shelter season.
• Hickory Neck Episcopal ChurchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost Site at 8300 Richmond Road, Toano, VA 23168, serving as shelter location for one week of the 18-week season.
• James River Baptist ChurchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost Site providing shelter space at 4931 Centerville Road during one week of the shelter season.
• Gospel Way Baptist ChurchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost Site at 6515 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, VA, providing shelter accommodation for one week of the season.
• Williamsburg Unitarian UniversalistcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost Site at 3051 Ironbound Road, serving as shelter location during one week of the 18-week season.
• St. Bede Catholic Church / Williamsburg House of MercycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost Site at 3686 Ironbound Road, providing shelter accommodation for one week of the shelter season.
• Bethel Restoration CentersupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner congregation that assists or covers nights for Host Sites, ensuring guests never go a night without shelter, food, and compassionate care. Provides volunteers, food, and financial support.
• Christ Community ChurchsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner congregation providing volunteer support and/or financial assistance to assist Host Sites during the shelter season.
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner congregation providing volunteer support and/or financial assistance to assist Host Sites during the shelter season.
• First Baptist Church (Williamsburg)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner congregation providing volunteer support, meals, and/or financial assistance to assist Host Sites during the shelter season.
• Eastside ChurchsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner congregation providing volunteer support and/or financial assistance to assist Host Sites during the shelter season.
• Foundations ChurchsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner congregation providing volunteer support and/or financial assistance to assist Host Sites during the shelter season.
• Kingdom Life Christian ChurchsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner congregation providing volunteer support and/or financial assistance to assist Host Sites during the shelter season.
• Liberty Live ChurchsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner congregation providing volunteer support and/or financial assistance. Listed as a supporter on both the Partners page and the About page.
• LifePointe Christian ChurchsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner congregation providing volunteer support and/or financial assistance. Listed as a supporter on both the Partners page and the About page.
• New Zion Baptist ChurchsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner congregation providing volunteer support and/or financial assistance to assist Host Sites during the shelter season.
• St. Stephen Lutheran ChurchsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner congregation providing volunteer support and/or financial assistance. Listed as a supporter on the About page alongside other contributing congregations.
• Stonehouse Presbyterian ChurchsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner congregation providing volunteer support and/or financial assistance to assist Host Sites during the shelter season.
• Temple Beth ElsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner congregation providing volunteer support and/or financial assistance to assist Host Sites during the shelter season.
• Wellspring United Methodist ChurchsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner congregation providing volunteer support and/or financial assistance. Listed as a supporter on the About page.
• Williamsburg Baptist ChurchsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner congregation providing volunteer support and/or financial assistance to assist Host Sites during the shelter season.
• R. F. Wilkinson YMCAsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity agency partner providing shower facilities for shelter guests. COFM coordinates with the YMCA to offer showers to guests on Monday and Thursday nights at sites without shower facilities. Partnership dates to Season Two (2013-2014) when the YMCA was first engaged for shower services.
• James City County Housing and Social ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey community agency partner providing housing assistance and social services. Collaborates with COFM on serving individuals experiencing homelessness in the Greater Williamsburg area. Provides representative (Lynette Diaz) to COFM's Advisory Council.
• Williamsburg House of MercysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity agency partner providing support services for shelter guests, including potential referrals for housing, health, and employment needs.
• Salvation ArmysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity agency partner providing social services support for shelter guests. Referrals are made between COFM and the Salvation Army for assistance with housing, health, and employment needs.
• Colonial Behavior HealthsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity agency partner providing mental health services. COFM connects guests with Colonial Behavior Health professionals as part of its comprehensive service model.
• Avalon CentersupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity agency partner providing services for shelter guests with referrals made for support with housing, health, and employment needs.
• Old Towne Medical CentersupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity agency partner providing medical center services. COFM connects guests with Old Towne Medical Center for health care needs.
• Williamsburg Human ServicessupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity agency partner providing human services support. Referrals are made between COFM and Williamsburg Human Services for assistance with various guest needs.
• James City County Police DepartmentsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity agency partner providing safety and security coordination for shelter operations.
• York County Sheriff's OfficesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity agency partner providing safety and security coordination in partnership with COFM's shelter operations.
• Williamsburg Police DepartmentsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity agency partner providing safety and security coordination for shelter operations.
• Merrimac Detention CentersupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity agency partner providing laundry services for shelter guests. Partnership dates to Season Two (2013-2014) when Merrimac Detention Center was first engaged for laundry services.
• WATA (Williamsburg Area Transit Authority)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerTransportation partner providing bus tickets to shelter guests, enabling access to shelter, employment, and services. Bus tickets are offered to guests at approximately 7:30 PM each evening.
• Williamsburg Hotel/Motel AssociationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing hotel/motel stays as supplementary shelter capacity, particularly used during Season 10 when church host sites were supplemented with hotel stays to complete 18 weeks of shelter.
• Virginia Chefs AssociationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner that donates baked breads for the Warm Up Williamsburg soup sale event, alongside Chickahominy House.
• Walnut Hills Baptist ChurchsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a supporting congregation on the About page, contributing to COFM's mission alongside other faith community partners.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia: Regional faith-based social services arm of the Catholic Diocese serving Eastern Virginia. Operates housing, refugee resettlement, and emergency assistance programs. Comparable as a faith-affiliated social services provider in the same region with overlapping service populations.
• Salvation Army (Hampton Roads): National faith-based organization operating emergency shelters, transitional housing, and social services across the U.S. including the Hampton Roads region. Comparable as a large-scale faith-based shelter and social services operator with similar service lines, but at significantly greater scale and geographic breadth.

Others

• Housing Crisis Hotline / Hampton Roads Housing Consortium: Regional coalition addressing homelessness and housing instability in Hampton Roads. Comparable as a regional ecosystem player that COFM interacts with through its referral network, rather than as a direct service provider.
• United Way of Greater Williamsburg: Regional United Way affiliate that likely funds and convenes COFM and similar agencies. Comparable as a regional funding and coordinating body for the same donor and partner ecosystem in which COFM operates.

Direct peers

• Family Promise: National nonprofit network that uses a rotating host-congregation model very similar to COFM's to provide emergency shelter for families experiencing homelessness. Directly comparable operating model (rotating host sites, volunteer-driven, faith-community-engaged), though Family Promise is larger and national in scope.
• Virginia Supportive Housing: Virginia-based nonprofit providing permanent supportive housing and rapid re-housing services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Comparable as a Virginia-focused homelessness services nonprofit that complements emergency shelter with longer-term housing pathways, similar to COFM's referral approach.
• Avalon Center: Provides emergency shelter and support services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in the Greater Williamsburg/Hampton Roads region. Directly comparable as a regional emergency shelter provider that is part of COFM's referral network and serves overlapping vulnerable populations.
• Williamsburg House of Mercy: Faith-based social services organization operating in the same Williamsburg, VA market. Provides wraparound services for people experiencing poverty and homelessness, including a day program and case management. Directly comparable as a co-located faith-based anti-poverty nonprofit with overlapping partner relationships.

Regional players

• PENINSULA AGENCY ON AGING: Regional nonprofit serving older adults on the Virginia Peninsula, including coordinating housing and support services. Comparable as a regional social services nonprofit in the same geographic service area addressing vulnerable populations.
• ForKids, Inc. Hampton Roads-based nonprofit providing emergency shelter, housing, and supportive services for families experiencing homelessness. Comparable as a regional emergency shelter operator serving similar client populations in nearby Virginia markets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/cofmshelter
• Facebookfacebook.com/COFMShelter
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/community-of-faith-mission
• Instagraminstagram.com/cofmshelter

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Community of Faith Mission