Cold Weather Shelter Program Begins November 30

The Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services is partnering with Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center and local faith communities to provide an expanded Cold Weather Shelter Program for struggling individuals and families during the coming winter months. People are referred to the program for emergency housing when Grassroots’ shelter on Freetown Road is filled. The program begins Nov. 30 and ends March 28.

The Cold Weather Shelter Program has been operating for 17 years and serves 60-80 people in a season. During this year’s pandemic, guests will be housed in a non-congregate shelter where Grassroots will help implement a cleaning regime to reduce the spread of the disease, and guests will be offered testing on site.

The Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services is funding the non-congregate shelter space for the 17-week program, and Grassroots has secured funding for 24-7 staffing for supervision, case management to complete housing applications, meal delivery, and COVID-19 supplies.

“These are unique circumstances, and County Executive Calvin Ball and the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services are leading the way in supporting the ‘best practices approach’ to assist individuals facing homelessness during a pandemic,” said Grassroots Executive Director Mariana Izraelson. “On behalf of our most vulnerable neighbors, we are grateful for this leadership and support,” she added.

Faith communities will provide three meals a day to guests of the Cold Weather Shelter, and Grassroots will oversee delivery service. Other expenses, such as client transportation assistance, Chromebooks and other supplies for students, are supported by contributions. Donate here.

About Grassroots

Grassroots provides 24-hour crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and support to individuals and families with a mental health, substance use or homelessness crisis.

During the last year, Grassroots served 340 people in its shelter programs and 921 individuals at the Grassroots Day Resource Center, handled 33,474 calls to its Hotline, and made 2,825 face-to-face contacts. The Mobile Crisis Team made 721 community responses, and 143 clients were enrolled in the Substance Use Treatment program.

Grassroots is located on Freetown Road in Columbia. For information, call 410-531-6006, or visit www.grassrootscrisis.org