Frederick, Maryland – The Religious Coalition Beyond Shelter Campaign has surpassed the fundraising goal of $3.5 million in gifts, pledges, and government funding in support of the Coalition’s new Emergency Family Shelter. The Campaign supports the establishment of a single-site 24-hour Emergency Family Shelter program. Co-Chairs Dr. Gregory Rausch and Pastor Barbara Kershner Daniel led the Campaign. This is the largest fundraising effort the Coalition has undertaken in its 40-year history.
The White-Hayward farmhouse on Hayward Road is currently under construction and will house the Coalition’s Emergency Family Shelter in February when renovations are completed in February. The Coalition anticipates welcoming families in early March.
The 8,300 square foot Shelter will provide temporary housing and supportive services for up to ten families (50 people) and offer family suites with personal bathrooms, laundry rooms, community kitchen, living area, counseling rooms, and a children’s playroom. This shelter will give families a sense of normalcy while encouraging their success securing housing, employment, and the tools needed to remain self-sufficient. The shelter also provides The Coalition with the opportunity to significantly expand the program’s capacity. Funds will finance construction, renovations, support funding the first year of operating expenses, and establishment an endowment to support the program in perpetuity.
“The Frederick Community is incredibly philanthropic and has stepped up in a big way to support this important initiative. We are grateful the donors that have invested in Frederick’s first Emergency Family Shelter and the families that we serve.” – Nick Brown, Executive Director
Since 2014, The Coalition has operated a scattered-site Emergency Family Shelter hosted by a network of local congregations of faith on a rotating basis. More than 180 families have been assisted over the past 7 years.
The Religious Coalition offers Frederick County’s two largest emergency shelter programs, provides health, dental, rental, and energy assistance to individuals and families, and offers homeless prevention programming. The Religious Coalition’s Mission: We seek to prevent and alleviate the effects of poverty on the residents of Frederick County.
