Archives for November 2025

Sunday’s Interfaith Community Thanksgiving Service was a beautiful event, with people of many different faith traditions sharing their commonality of giving thanks while building unity in our community. This uplifting service featured Jewish, Muslim, Baha’i, Hindu, Buddhist, Native American and Christian faith traditions, with examples of the varied ways of offering thanks. HARC is grateful to all who participated and for more than 100 attendees to join us. The service was recorded. Watch the service (link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=Vjjp9jvoPUU).

The Refugee Welcome Network (RWN) celebrates the recent “graduation” of seven families who have worked hard to settle in Washington County over the last year or more and grow in self-sufficiency! As these families continue to grow in their new homes, RWN’s work continues, with the acceptance of four new families since September and continued assistance for five families.

Each “graduate” family has settled into their new home in Washington County with stable housing, work, improved English skills, a community of friends, and more. This is thanks to their hard work, and the generosity of many of YOU who have donated time, talents, funds and goods.

Here are some excerpts taken from a note of gratitude from one graduate:

Thank you for kindness and humanity!

…I remember last year at this time how much difficulties we had?  You helped us during this hard time mostly for transportation, rent, paying utility bills, appliances, clothes, shoes…

…There are many many things we are not able to count, the most important humanity and smiley faces from all members. You are always in our heart.

…Now we feel you are like our family member, we can share our good/bad news with you and our door is always open for you as well.

New families welcomed by RWN come from Iran, Afghanistan, Haiti and Angola. Each bring pieces of their unique and beautiful culture and a strong desire to work and fit into this community. They and their RWN Allies have been accepting furniture and household goods from our warehouse as they begin to start their lives over in our Community.  However, our stores of goods are nearly gone. We currently have these needs::

All kinds of baby supplies – a baby is due to arrive in just a few weeks!
pressure cookers/rice cookers/Instapots
water kettles
file cabinet
everyday dish sets and flatware sets
leftover containers
towels
queen and twin size sheets
two sets of XL twin sheets
pillows and mattress covers
warm blankets, comforters and quilts
queen headboards and queen mattresses
twin mattresses
area rugs and carpets
washer and dryer
vacuum cleaner
personal hygiene items
baby wipes and small size diapers (newborn and up)
toys

We will thankfully accept items that are new or in good used condition. Financial donations are always needed, and help with rent and needs we can’t get donated; they can be made HERE.

RWN is now helping with post-graduate workforce development, which for some individuals includes entrepreneurial work.  The talent pool includes an excellent seamstress, drivers, a cleaning crew, and some who can help with landscaping, moving or jobs around the house.

Have some time to volunteer?  RWN is in need of volunteers to be allies (work directly with families) and to be part of a new Volunteer Coordination Team, among other opportunities.

To volunteer, donate furniture and goods, or hire someone for their skills listed above, please email refugeewelcome@harc.datachievereview.xyz.

Refugee Welcome Network is a program under the auspices of the Hagerstown Area Religious Council (HARC). 

HARC and Asian American Center of Frederick (AACF) received an Outstanding Service Award at our October 29 South End Learning Collaborative. The award was given for “exemplary implementation of ‘relationships matter’ core value through the ENOUGH initiative devoted to the wellbeing of children & families in the south end of Hagerstown.” Specifically highlighted was Jane Powell’s and Julien Patrick Tete Wabo’s work to build partnerships to help families, such as with a dental practice and Community Free Clinic, and helping to overcome language barriers for families.

HARC is grateful to be part of ENOUGH, a child poverty alleviation initiative in the south end of Hagerstown. This is a multi-partner program led by San Mar/Bester Community Of Hope, and is funded by the State of Maryland Governor’s Office for Children.

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church is in possession of 5 crosses for which we have no use. They are available at no charge. Pick-up can be easily arranged. They are approximately 5′ and 7′. Contact 443.880.0264

Dear grantees and community partners,

This morning, Governor Moore held a press conference in which he declared a state of emergency to address the economic impacts of the federal government shutdown. As part of the state’s response to a lapse in SNAP benefits funding at the federal level, the Governor is releasing $10 million in emergency funding to food banks to provide additional support for families.
This press release provides additional details on the status of SNAP benefits and the alternative assistance available. Funding will be used to purchase and distribute additional food for food banks, local pantries, school pantries, and mobile distribution programs, including delivery of meals to older adults or Marylanders with disabilities who cannot easily access pantries.
Marylanders in need of food assistance should visit the 211 Maryland website to locate the nearest food pantry or food bank.
If you receive HUD Continuum of Care Program funding or have an award from DHCD under the Homelessness Solutions Program or Community Services Block Grant program, please note that food for clients is an eligible program cost. Grantees are encouraged to request a budget modification if necessary to provide additional support to program participants
Also attached is a fact sheet for resources for federal workers who have been impacted by furloughs – including legal protections against evictions, foreclosure, and utility shutoffs.
We will continue to keep partners updated as the situation evolves. Thank you for your partnership and service.

Danielle Meister
she/her
Assistant Secretary
Division of Homeless Solutions
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
2 N. Charles Street, 4th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201
danielle.meister@maryland.gov
(443) 651-0241

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See also HARC Food and Clothing Resources Page