Resources in Warren County

"I think it's a good place to live. It's a good community. It's got a lot going for it. It's a little slow on picking up on some things, but it's been moving in the right direction."
- Service Provider

The resources available to the people of Warrenton probably resemble those available in most rural communities. Because they live in the county seat, Warrenton residents have easier access to many resources than people who live in other parts of the county.

Most county-governed agencies as well as branches of state agencies and non-profit services that serve the county are located in Warrenton. This includes the Social Services Department, the Health Department, the Economic Development Commission, the Recreation Department, the Youth Services Bureau, the Senior Center, a branch of Vance-Granville Community College, the Agricultural Extension Service, Warren Family Institute, and the Warren Record office. For a more extensive list of resources in Warrenton and Warren County, see Appendix J.

The Warrenton community also benefits from some infrastructure put in place by Soul City developers. This includes a county-wide water and sewage system that is only running at about half capacity - leaving room for industries that need these services to move in to the community.

While retail options are an issue in Warrenton, there are still two hardware stores, two drug stores, insurance agencies, beauty parlors, barbers, and a post office on Main Street. In the past few years, more restaurants have moved in as well. The dominating force on Main Street, however, is, the antique business. According to community members, the antique shops may bring in business but do not serve long-time community residents.

• t-ball, basketball, volleyball, and other sports offered by the county recreation department;
• band, sports, the youth scholars program, science lab, and character development available through the school system;
• after-school and summer enrichment programs offered by Warren Family Institute;
• access to plays and music on school field trips, plus theatrical training offered in January and over the summer by the Littleton Cultural Arts Center.

The community also has active civic groups and churches that serve as resources. People tend to look to these groups to get things done, rather than to local government. The Lion's Club and the Masons are two examples of service-oriented organizations within the community. These organizations also provide social outlets for the people of the community, who lack significant other recreational opportunities.

Community members and service providers also listed the rural nature and quaint aspect of this town as its greatest resources. "Its tree-lined streets and brick sidewalks and things like that…they're what makes Warrenton special. There is a small-town, home-town atmosphere." Other advantages of small town living are that at a public health department, doctors can get to know their patients and vice-versa. "There's something comforting about having a place that doesn't change too much in your background. I think that's part of what Warrenton's charm is. You'll always be able to walk down Main Street and recognize somebody and even if you've never been here before…they'll come up and say, 'Hi. How are you?' or at least greet you on the street."

According to service providers, the greatest resource in the community is the people. There is a volunteer spirit and a willingness to help people that keep the community going. "The people in town that are willing to do so much volunteerism. Because that's what it takes to make a small town like this really prosperous is people willing to do things." "That's how everyone just works together, and you know, I don't know that we would find that in a Durham neighborhood or a Charlotte neighborhood." Examples of the work done by these volunteers include delivering meals to the homebound elderly, running the 4-H club, fighting fires, and the Community Voices program to help develop local leadership.

In summary, Warrenton and Warren County have resources similar to those available in many rural areas. While economic or retail resources are limited, Warren County has strength in its community organizations and churches. Thus, as stated previously, the people of Warren County are its greatest assets.

History of Warren County

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