Grassroots Needs Your Help for Shelter Residents and Others

Grassroots, which provides 24-hour crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and support to individuals and families with a mental health, substance use or homelessness crisis, is calling upon the community for assistance in serving those in need now.

“In the midst of the current public health emergency, Grassroots continues to provide vital services such as telephone crisis intervention counseling and shelter services while using every measure necessary to ensure the safety of its residents and staff members,” said Executive Director Ayesha Holmes.

“You can safely help Grassroots continue to serve Howard County’s most vulnerable people during these difficult times,” she added. According to Holmes, here are some ways community members can make a difference:

Send a Financial Donation

Like many families, Grassroots finds itself short of suddenly essential items, like disposable gloves, bleach, hand sanitizers, anti-bacterial wipes, paper towels and other cleaning-related products. A financial contribution is the most flexible gift you can make at this time. Make a donation here, or send a check to Grassroots, 6700 Freetown Road, Columbia, MD, 21044.

Donate Food Items

The Grassroots Day Resource Center is continuing to distribute food to people in need. Canned meat, fruit, soup (Chunky or Progresso), and meals (Chef Boy’r Dee, chili, beef stew), and 16-20 oz bottles of water are being collected. Plastic bags, reusable grocery bags and office boxes with handles are needed as containers. No clothing is being accepted at this time.

The staff will receive food donations at the Day Resource Center, 10390 Guilford Road in Jessup, on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and Saturdays, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (Deliveries to clients will occur after collection hours.) Food items may also be dropped off at outside bins at Grassroots, 6700 Freetown Road in Columbia, and New Hope Lutheran Church, 8575 Guilford Road in Columbia.

Make a Meal

Grassroots provides three meals daily for up to 50 shelter residents in our on-site commercial kitchen. It relies heavily on community support to feed residents. A Sign-up Genius for meal donations will be available next week.

Fill the Pantry

The Grassroots pantry needs to be replenished. The following items are being collected: coffee, individual packets of regular sugar and coffee creamer, juice boxes and pouches, cereal, pop tarts, instant rice mixes, pasta sauce, jelly, peanut butter, boxed macaroni and cheese, and canned meals (Chef Boy’r Dee, chili, beef stew). Deliver to outside bins at Grassroots, 6700 Freetown Road in Columbia.

“This is a time for our generous community to help those most in need,” Holmes said. “We know we can count upon its support.”

For more information, visit www.grassrootscrisis.org.