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Howard County Government, partnering with Grassroots and local faith communities, has served 59 people this season in the soon-to-close annual Cold Weather Shelter Program. This year’s program has been distinguished by the high number of children participating in it: 23 under 18 years old, the youngest at 6 months and the oldest at 17.
During this past weekend, which included snow and freezing temperatures, 44 people were in the Cold Weather Shelter, which was typically housed at faith communities on a rotating basis but is located for the second year in area motels due to COVID-19 concerns.
From the end of November until the end of March, people are referred to the program when Grassroots’ shelter for the homeless on Freetown Road in Columbia is full. Grassroots has been operating the Cold Weather Shelter Program for 19 years in partnership with the churches and synagogues in Howard County.
Faith communities and others provide food and donations to cover laundry, car repairs for guests and other expenses. Donations to the Cold Weather Shelter and other Grassroots emergency housing programs can be made here.
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Talent Show Benefit Angel's Network, the community service club at River Hill High School, is holding its 25th Annual Talent Show in-person Thursday, March 31, from 6-9 p.m. It will feature acts ranging from Breakdance and Hawkapella to opera and other music performances. Cathy Smith, Change Matters Outreach Coordinator, will provide brief remarks. Tickets are $14 at the door. Proceeds from ticket sales and other contributions from attendees will be donated to Grassroots. Donate here.
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Run/Walk Light the Night 5k for Suicide Prevention is being held April 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Oakland Mills High School. The event is supported by American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Maryland Chapter (AFSP), Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks, Bullseye Running, and the Howard County Department of Health. Funds raised will benefit both the Maryland Chapter of AFSP and Grassroots in support of their mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. Register here.
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Support Grassroots would never be able to do what it does without community support. The housewarming gifts for people moving out of the shelter into their own apartments, bag lunches made by high school students and other groups, the donation drives for hygiene items and toiletries, and the meals for guests, as well as the many hours of volunteer time, are truly appreciated. Learn more about what you can do here.
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Scouts Many thanks to Jan Rice and scouts from Troop 2775 for organizing a donation drive in collaboration with GS Service Unit #653. The drive garnered 450 full-size items of body wash, lotion, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant and more. The items were distributed to guests at the Grassroots shelter, the Day Resource Center, and Humanim. Thank you to all the Howard County Scouts supporters who donated items.
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Are You a Friend of Grassroots?
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Are you a donor to Grassroots? Have you made a gift this year? Grassroots depends upon the generosity of individuals, organizations and businesses in the community to support its free services to people in crisis, to help provide the 24-7 hotline and suicide prevention efforts, round-the-clock personal counseling, Mobile Crisis Team, the shelter programs and other activities to help people achieve a positive resolution to their crisis situation. Please make a gift to Grassroots today. Any size gift is welcome. If you can afford $50 or more per month, consider joining The Friends of Grassroots who donate $600 or more per year. Thank you for your support.
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