Charlotte

At HARC’s Annual Meeting, we were blessed to hear and record testimonials from two program beneficiaries: Crystal for Micah’s Backpack and Amir for Refugee Welcome Network (click on their names for the recordings). We are grateful to them for their testimonies and for enriching our lives and ministries. Crystal now coordinates Micah’s Backpack for her church to give back; Amir and his family are now independent and contributing to the community.

The Zion Reformed United Church of Christ is looking for musical leadership. Ideally, we will fill two part-time contract positions: a Director of Music and an Accompanist. We will consider, however, one candidate for both positions, if the candidate has the breadth of proficiency we desire. Check out our Music Search page.

Director of Music Job Description

Accompanist Job Description

 

The Salvation Army Shelter reopened on December 29th following renovations. They will be limiting the number of single women and families processed each day to avoid overwhelming staff. Clients must call to make an appointment with Nichole Griffin at 301-733-2440, extension 3. The following documentation is required:

• Adults: A valid photo ID is required. If an ID is not available, law enforcement may verify the individual’s identity and provide that information to us.
• Children: They require either a birth certificate (it can be a copy) or, if the family receives food stamps, an award letter showing the child(ren) listed on the mother’s caseload.

At HARC’s December meeting, Rev. David Baker shared wisdom and resources for supporting those who are grieving, over the holidays as well as throughout the year. David is the Director of Hope Beyond Our Grief, a non-profit ministry that provides helpful resources to support and equip grievers. Here are handouts from the meeting – Coping With Your Grief 25 Things (link to attached document). For ministries interested in purchasing the support group program, Hope Beyond Today, they can receive a 20% discount by entering the coupon code HOPE20 on the order payment page on the website

Website  – www.HopeBeyondOurGrief.org

This special release of Searching for Common Ground brings together two full episodes in one, offering a powerful exploration of leadership, faith, division, and the possibility of unity in a deeply fractured world. In Part One, Rabbi Mark Perman sits down with Senator David McCormick, the junior United States Senator from Pennsylvania, for a candid and wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond headlines. In Part Two, Rabbi Mark welcomes renowned theologian, historian, and interfaith pioneer Rabbi Irving “Yitz” Greenberg, whose work has influenced Jewish thought for decades.

Click here to listen

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).

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

Habitat for Humanity of Washington County, Maryland seeks to put God’s love into action by helping families find decent and affordable housing.

Click here for a church information flyer that shares Habitat’s mission, how to connect to Habitat, as well as the pathway to home ownership. Feel free to use this flyer within your ministry. We also have several hundred of these flyers pre-printed if you would like to request them.

If you have any other questions about the ministry of Habitat for Humanity, please ask.

Together #ForOurCity,
Pastor Bill Wyand