Carroll County Circle of Caring Homelessness Board
June 9, 2017
Dear Circle of Caring, Faith Community Colleagues and Leaders:
The needs of individuals and families who are homeless and those who lack permanent housing are an important concern in Carroll County. We recognize the need to care for the well-being of all, and much is done to that end. Human Services Programs of Carroll County, Inc. operates several shelters (Men’s, Women and Children, Family, Safe Haven, and the seasonal Cold Weather Shelter), and a number of services exist to serve those in need. Organizations, congregations, and individuals contribute in many ways to help those in critical times of need. However, there are some particular gaps for which help is needed from faith-based organizations around the County:
The Circle of Caring Homelessness Board and Emergency Preparedness for the Homeless Population (through the Maryland Emergency Management Agency- MEMA) have identified specific needs in our community’s response to extreme weather for vulnerable populations. Some of the groups involved in responding to this concern include the Carroll County Department of Citizen Services, Human Services Programs of Carroll County, Inc., the Carroll County Health Department, Carroll County Department of Public Safety, and the Westminster Rescue Mission.
What is most needed is an indication of the openness of your congregation or organization to consider responding to this important community need. Surely there are questions to answer and details to tend to. We can respond as needed but we need to know where such possibilities exist around Carroll County.
For those interested in exploring possibilities, please contact us by calling the Department of Citizen Services number listed on the summary flier and note your interest. You will then be contacted directly.
You are welcome to attend a Circle of Caring Homelessness Board meeting to get connected with many other groups (faith-based services and congregation, agencies, non-profit services) helping in the Continuum of Care that is essential in serving the well-being of all. The Circle meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 8:30am – 10 am in the Conference Room at Human Services Programs of Carroll County, Inc., Ground floor of the Citizen Services Building at 10 Distillery Drive, Westminster.
Rev. Gerald D. Fuss Christine C. Kay
Citizen Co-Chair Co-Chair
June 9, 2017
Dear Circle of Caring, Faith Community Colleagues and Leaders:
The needs of individuals and families who are homeless and those who lack permanent housing are an important concern in Carroll County. We recognize the need to care for the well-being of all, and much is done to that end. Human Services Programs of Carroll County, Inc. operates several shelters (Men’s, Women and Children, Family, Safe Haven, and the seasonal Cold Weather Shelter), and a number of services exist to serve those in need. Organizations, congregations, and individuals contribute in many ways to help those in critical times of need. However, there are some particular gaps for which help is needed from faith-based organizations around the County:
The Circle of Caring Homelessness Board and Emergency Preparedness for the Homeless Population (through the Maryland Emergency Management Agency- MEMA) have identified specific needs in our community’s response to extreme weather for vulnerable populations. Some of the groups involved in responding to this concern include the Carroll County Department of Citizen Services, Human Services Programs of Carroll County, Inc., the Carroll County Health Department, Carroll County Department of Public Safety, and the Westminster Rescue Mission.
- We are seeking additional help from the Faith Community and Faith-based groups with appropriate buildings/ facilities to be able to provide expanded hospitality during weather events through-out the County.
- Carroll County public buildings, including Library branches, are all places where people may go when needing daytime respite from extreme weather. However, when our library and County buildings are closed (in emergency conditions, but also on specific holidays) and temperatures become dangerous, some people need a place to be safe. Thus, there is a need for Daytime Warming and Cooling Centers throughout the County.
- Warming/Cooling Centers- are places where residents can come to get out of hot or cold weather conditions during the day. Centers would typically and minimally have water, bathrooms, electric outlets, and seating available.
- There is a need to identify space to provide Temporary Emergency over-night accommodations throughout the County in the case of severe weather conditions or natural disasters. We have some shelters in Westminster. Many churches support the Cold Weather Shelter and others through their essential volunteer service and donation. Some may not be able to get to a shelter in Westminster and there is limited capacity in each shelter. The Cold Weather Shelter is generally in operation only from mid-November to the end of March. Even when the Cold Weather Shelter is operational, no one under the age of 18 is permitted to stay there, creating a gap for unaccompanied minors and families with children. Such extreme weather conditions may be temporary, but when they happen, it is important to be ready. Your help is needed to do that!
- There is need for staffing for overflow shelter in Westminster (Senior Center).This would be individuals willing to be at the Senior Center while it is being used as an overflow to the Cold Weather Shelter, either during hours of intake in the evening or during extreme weather events, during the day.
What is most needed is an indication of the openness of your congregation or organization to consider responding to this important community need. Surely there are questions to answer and details to tend to. We can respond as needed but we need to know where such possibilities exist around Carroll County.
For those interested in exploring possibilities, please contact us by calling the Department of Citizen Services number listed on the summary flier and note your interest. You will then be contacted directly.
You are welcome to attend a Circle of Caring Homelessness Board meeting to get connected with many other groups (faith-based services and congregation, agencies, non-profit services) helping in the Continuum of Care that is essential in serving the well-being of all. The Circle meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 8:30am – 10 am in the Conference Room at Human Services Programs of Carroll County, Inc., Ground floor of the Citizen Services Building at 10 Distillery Drive, Westminster.
Rev. Gerald D. Fuss Christine C. Kay
Citizen Co-Chair Co-Chair