Who We Are

Shepherd's Table began serving the homeless in 1983 in a small, two-bedroom, Cape Cod bungalow on a residential side street near downtown Silver Spring. Our mission was simple: Provide a hot, nutritious meal in a warm, welcoming environment to those who are homeless and needy.

Shepherd's Table was a unique community initiative, borne out of a community response to the growing and visible problem of homelessness. Shepherd's Table was formed by religious and community organizations and supported by hundreds of concerned citizens.

Although Shepherd's Table was formed to meet the most basic human need of the homeless and needy-hunger-it became clear very quickly that the homeless have other critical needs. Soon, we expanded our services to include shelter referrals, social service information, clothing, shower facilities, medical services, and advocacy and counseling services.

In 1996, with the help of the Montgomery County government and many dedicated supporters, Shepherd's Table moved from its cramped quarters to a larger, more modern facility off Georgia Avenue. Not far from the Silver Spring Metro station, this new facility, fittingly known as Progress Place has enabled us to serve more people and provide a wider array of services.

In 1999, we opened an eye clinic to provide vision testing, glaucoma
screening, and prescription eye glasses. The eye clinic met a critical need in the community to assist those without insurance.

Today, in our 22nd year of operation, Shepherd's Table is a beacon of hope in our community offering basic human services to those in need.

Shepherd's Table is a non-profit,
community-based organization, supported by volunteers, religious, congregations, businesses, foundations, and individual donors in providing assistance to the homeless and needy.

Our goal is to provide food, clothing, counseling, medical and other support services, effectively and compassionately, to individuals and families seeking assistance in meeting their basic needs and helping them to reach their fullest potential.

In pursuit of this mission, Shepherd's Table strives to carry out its functions and exemplify the highest standards of quality, ethics and personal integrity, always recognizing our obligation to the social and economic well being of our clientele and our community.