Sarah Martin Training Coordinator for the W.A.R.M Program shows off the sleeping area for the guests of Lexington Park United Methodist Church
Lexington Park, MD – The current economic plight and world affairs affect the community. As we drive through the streets on very hot summer days or a cold winter afternoon, it is not unusual to see a person “hanging” out near a store off Great Mills Road in Lexington Park because they have nowhere to go. The collective work and effort of private citizens, St. Mary’s County Government, the faith community, non-profit organizations, and private organizations have been directed at stomping out homelessness and serving the needs of those who are experiencing homelessness.
The Continuum of Care (CoC) Regional organization is composed of representatives from Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties. The St. Mary’s County Homelessness Prevention Board is composed of county organization and groups who work collaboratively to support county residents with their housing needs.
St. Mary’s Homelessness Prevention Board has been responsible for developing a system to address individuals who are currently homeless or have the potential for becoming homeless. The board’s focus is to implement the Homeless Prevention Plan to help end homelessness in St. Mary’s County.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines homelessness as: (A) Persons who are sleeping in places not meant for human habitation (cars, tunnels, parks, etc.), and (B) Persons sleeping in an emergency shelter or a family/individual living in transitional housing. Transitional housing is defined as a temporary housing program (two years or less) for the homeless.
HUD defines chronically homeless as (1) A homeless individual with a disability who: (i) Lives in a place not meant for human habitation, a safe haven or emergency shelter; and (ii) has been homeless and living as described above for at least 12 months or four separate occasions in the past three years.(2) An individual who has been residing in an institutional care facility (jail, substance abuse/mental health facility, hospital, etc. and (3) A family with an adult head of household (if there is no adult, a minor head of house) who meets all the criteria in detailed in the Homeless Assistance Act. EXCLUSIONS: The time spent in an institution, jail or hospital is not considered homeless and can’t be used to qualify as being chronically homeless.
Office Administrator of Lexington Park United Methodist Church Sarah Martin
acts as Training Coordinator for the W.A.R.M (Wrapping Arms Around Many) Program. Martin is also a member of the Homeless Prevention Board and was instrumental in developing a comprehensive Homelessness Prevention Plan for St. Mary’s County.
The Homelessness Prevention Board meets twice a month to coordinate services for the homeless and potentially homeless. The Board recently revised the Homelessness Prevention Plan for St. Mary’s County, which was adopted by the County Commissioners in 2016.
Through the generosity and use of local church facilities, the W.A.R.M. program allows homeless individuals to have a meal and safe place to sleep during the dangerously cold months. Martin said, “The W.A.R.M program is through a referral process, most come through DSS.”
Martin told TheBayNet.com “Our church always hosts W.A.R.M for the week between Christmas and New Years. Each year we do something special that week to celebrate the New Year. We let the guest stay up later and try to make it nice. All our guests like coming to our church, we have cable.”
The three-year Homelessness Prevention Plan for St. Mary’s County is
designed to make a difference in St. Mary’s County through a comprehensive system. The Plan addresses homelessness from a ‘point-in-time’ perspective for accuracy.
The process for eliminating homelessness in St. Mary’s County is through St. Mary’s Department of Social Services (DSS) who is the primary conduit through which homeless women and children enter shelter services. DSS will also give referrals to other organizations.
Emergency and transitional housing services are provided for residents by two primary service providers: Angel Watch Shelter and Three Oaks Center.
Martin said, “The goal of the revised Homelessness Prevention plan is to end homelessness. It takes people who want to make a difference for it to work.”
Contact Shertina Mack s.mack@TheBayNet.com
