The end-of-year holidays are times for reflection and gratitude. As I look back on the year, I am thankful for Meeting Ground's ability to provide assistance to the most underserved population in Cecil County.

 

The tragedy of homelessness continues to affect our communities and neighbors. As a supporter of Meeting Ground, we know that you are deeply aware of this problem. Many of our clients have found themselves alone and homeless, often through no fault of their own. Whether it's because of the loss of a job, inability to manage a health problem, loss of a supportive family member, a battle with addiction, the need to flee from domestic abuse, or mental health instability, many of our neighbors have lost their way. For most, Meeting Ground is the only place that they can access resources to meet their basic human needs. Sometimes a free breakfast and lunch, the ability to take a shower, somewhere to receive mail, or a place where you can feel a sense of safety and dignity is all someone needs to make a fresh start.

Last year, Meeting Ground, through the Mary Randall Center, Wayfarers' House and Cecil County Men's Shelter, provided services to more than 550 homeless individuals. We helped 79 individuals secure permanent housing (including 21 children from homeless families). At the Mary Randall Center, where we serve clients who live on the streets and face some of the largest obstacles towards achieving stability, we were able to assist 38 clients with obtaining employment through our programs and partnerships. We also guided 22 clients into treatment for substance abuse disorders--a key part of helping our community tackle the opioid addiction crisis that is confronting Cecil County and so many communities across the nation.

Meeting Ground Inc. takes pride in being the only organization in the County that provides many of the critical services needed for our clients to survive. We partner with local churches to provide the only cold weather shelter in the area during the harsh winter months. This year with your support, we were able to implement new programs such as our Saturday breakfast, lunch-time round tables, and one-on-one criminal record expungement sessions. Our Rapid Rehousing Program, launched in June, has provided the funds needed for clients from our shelters to move into their own apartments, and start living life independently. By supporting the moving costs that often prevent homeless individuals from obtaining a place to call home, this program has moved 7 families, including 11 children, into safe, stable, permanent housing in Cecil County.