Who We Help
In today’s world of high unemployment, under-employment and record eviction rates, there is an urgent need to provide shelter and services for our homeless neighbors.
This year's annual January “Point in Time” count, conducted for HUD by the Harford County government and volunteers, counted 204 homeless people in Harford County.
Ask yourself: If I became homeless and had no family, what would I do?
THE WELCOME ONE SHELTER
Welcome One is here to help our neighbors in need answer that question every day when they arrive at our caring, full-service shelter.
After receiving a referral to our shelter from the Department of Social Services, an individual receives orientation about how our shelter works (with an explanation of policies and procedures), assigned to a bed and locker and given any clothing and toiletries they may need.
Soon thereafter the resident meets with our Case Manager to begin developing a personalized plan for becoming self-sufficient, along with any necessary referrals to health or substance abuse treatment.
During calendar year 2010 Welcome One cared for 210 individuals through our homeless shelter, 3 transitional and supportive housing units and emergency motel nights fund.
How you can help: Volunteer, donate items from our "Wish List," become a"GEM," attend one of our fun fund-raising events. See more information on our "How You Can Help Page."
THE WELCOME ONE TRANSITIONAL HOUSING PROGRAM
The Welcome One also operates "Havens of Hope"--three transitional and supportive housing units in Bel Air. These apartments enable individuals who are ready to leave the structured environment of our shelter to take the next step toward independence.
Residents engage in job training, do volunteer work, go to school, maintain employment and pursue continuing steps toward self-sufficiency. They continue to receive case management, food (when needed) and encouragement in reaching their goals. Residents of these units may stay as long as 18 months to have time to prepare for their final step towards independence.
How you can help: Volunteer to mentor a resident, donate to underwrite their expenses, donate food for their pantries, support fund-raising events that help maintain the units. Please contact Barbara Jones, Case Manager, or Robert Meza, Finance Manager, for more information about how you can help make a difference, one person at a time.
WELCOME ONE EMERGENCY MOTEL NIGHT FUND
The number of homeless people in Harford County exceeds the number of beds available. When a homeless person or family comes to our door and no bed is available at our shelter (or another shelter suitable for their needs) we are able to refer them to a local motel in Aberdeen. This Emergency Motel Night Fund enables this homeless person to be safe and warm/dry until they can be referred to a local shelter.
How you can help: Donate to the fund – $50 provides one night of dry, safe shelter for an individual, couple or family. Contact Finance Manager Robert Meza for more information about how you can help, or to donate on an as-needed basis.