Shepherds Table clients and volunteer

Biography of Shepherd Table's Clients and Volunteer

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Eddie, a beautiful soul with an amazing heart, is a former client and dinner guest of Shepherd’s Table. He now works part time and has housing, though the housing is somewhat precarious. Eddie accessed services at Shepherd's Table for over five years. Eddie’s long history of mental illness has in no way diminished his passion for life and his dedication to being kind and generous to everyone he encounters. Though there are certainly days when he struggles and the darkness becomes a heavy burden, Eddie remains a constant loving presence at Shepherd's Table. He has received services through our resource center, accessed medical care, received clothing and been provided a nutritious meal during his many years with us. Eddie’s innate ability to offer compassion and understanding and to be present in a meaningful way gifted all of us at Shepherd's Table. Eddie’s success is the result of a strong determination on his part, effective services at Shepherd's Table and other supportive programs and the deep caring of volunteers, donors and staff!

Mark is a former photographer, and a current client and dinner guest of Shepherd's Table. Mark’s knowledge and love of photography became known to us as he shared his story with two different students of documentaries and our holiday card photographer. Mark has been coming to Shepherd's Table as long as anyone here can remember. This is home to Mark. The story of how he came to be here and the reasons he stays remain somewhat of a mystery. Mark is simply chronically homeless. Volunteers and staff find Mark to be always willing to assist with things around the Table. He is generous with his time and his knowledge. We hope that one day Mark will accept housing and be able to return to some of the things in his life that gave him great joy, including photography.

Kim’s story is one of service to Shepherd's Table. She has been coming for many years with her church, Oakdale Emory United Methodist. They are here the third Tuesday of each month. Kim’s infectious smile and great joy are a blessing to everyone she encounters at Shepherd's Table. Her great caring for everyone she serves is clearly manifested in her facial expressions, her words of caring and her ability to enter into meaningful conversations. Kim, along with her husband Jim, not only come on their regular serving night but also bring items from our wish list. They also gather family and friends to purchase prepare and serve special dinners at Shepherd's Table. Kim and Jim’s dedication to the mission of Shepherd's Table, and to service, mirror the dedication and service of hundreds of other volunteers who come throughout the year.

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Shepherd's Table 990 form-2010

Shepherd's Table Audit-2010

 

Facts on Homelessness

In Montgomery County, one of the wealthiest counties in the nation, there are over 1,500 homeless people.

The average age of a homeless person in the US is 9 years old. This means that 23% of the homeless population is made up of children; of which, 42% are under the age of 5. One quarter of the homeless population is employed, but do not make enough to afford a place to live.

It is estimated that 2.1 million adults in the US experience homelessness over the course of a year. About 10% of people who experience homelessness are chronically homeless, usually as a result of mental illness, substance abuse, or other protracted disabilities. These individuals account for up to 50% of those seeking emergency shelter.

Homeless individuals are among the most vulnerable populations in our society:

  • 25% of the homeless have been physically or sexually abused as children.
  • 27% grew up in foster care.
  • 21% experienced homelessness as a child.
  • 23% are veterans; compared to only 13% in the general population.
  • 54% of the homeless have been incarcerated.

Many homeless people have serious health problems:

  • 38% have alcohol dependency.
  • 26% have drug addiction.
  • 25% have serious mental illness.
  • 3% have HIV/AIDS.
  • 46% have chronic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or cancer.

Supportive Partners in the Fight Against Homelessness in Montgomery County and Washington D.C.

Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless, www.mcch.net
MCCH is a leading organization dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness.

Crisis, Income, and Victim Services www.montgomerycountymd.gov/hhs
CIV provides service to Montgomery County residents experiencing emotional, crisis, or mental health problems. A continuum of services to homeless families and adults include emergency shelter, transitional and supportive housing.

Silver Spring Interfaith Housing Coalition, www.ssihc.org
The Silver Spring Interfaith Housing Coalition  (SSIHC) is a nonprofit organization of local congregations working together to provide housing opportunities in our neighborhoods for low-income families and individuals, especially people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. SSIHC will work with all who support this mission without regard to religious affiliation.

Interfaith Works of Montgomery County, www.iworksmc.org Community Ministry of Montgomery County’s mission is to pursue social justice with an emphasis on identifying and meeting the needs of the poor by leading and engaging Montgomery County’s faith communities in service, education, and advocacy.

National Alliance to End Homelessness, www.endhomelessness.org
The National Alliance to End Homelessness is a leading voice on the issue of homelessness. The Alliance analyzes policy and prescribes pragmatic, cost-effective policy solutions. They work collaboratively with the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to build state and local capacity, leading to stronger programs and policies that help homeless individuals and families make positive changes in their lives. They provide data and research to policymakers and elected officials in order to inform policy debates and educate the public and opinion leaders nationwide.

Fannie Mae’s Help the Homeless Program, www.helpthehomelessdc.org
Fannie Mae’s Help the Homeless Program raises awareness of, and funds for, Washington metropolitan area organizations that are working to prevent and end homelessness, with an emphasis on programs that help homeless people return to independent living. The Help the Homeless Program also fosters volunteerism in service to the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless.

MobileMed (MOBY), www.mobilemedicalcare.org
Mobile Medical Care, Inc. widely known as MobileMed, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide primary medical care to the low-income, uninsured, working poor, and homeless in Montgomery County, Maryland. Predominately volunteer professional providers include doctors, registered nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, as well as related support personnel who provide health care services for MobileMed patients.

We are grateful for the individuals, groups, and organizations that join together to make the work of Shepherd’s Table possible. Because of your kindness and giving, our mission is accomplished every day of the year. We thank you for remembering the most vulnerable members of our community by helping us both meet their needs with compassion, and serve them with dignity.

 

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