The homeless in the Prince William County area are in need of water and other supplies in the current summer heat wave.

Other items they are in need of are Gatorade, moist wipes, any kind of insect repellant, small cans or packages of food (packaged tuna, protein bars, and small canned fruit are ideal), and hand sanitizer.

“We had some of all these products, but have given most of them out and we did not have enough for everyone,” said Gayle Sanders, Director of the Hilda Barg Homless Prevention Center via email.

A report from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) in May said 467 people in Prince William County said they were homeless. Sanders said the report is just a one-day snapshot of homelessness and is not an accurate county of homeless persons in the county. 

Supplies or donations for the homeless can be dropped off at the Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Center at 14945 Jefferson Davis Hwy. in Woodbridge. Or call for more information at 703-680-5403. AfterShare is a volunteer program at the center and part of the center's programming.

Monetary donations are tax-deductible and should be made out to VOAC/HBHPC with "AfterShare or Outreach" in the memo. Receipts are available at the front desk of the center. 

The center is operated by Volunteers of America Chesapeake by contract with Prince William County Department of Social Services.