The History of Shepherd's Table:
The Founding of Shepherd's Table:
Several other local congregations, members of Silver Spring HELP, were among the early supporters of Shepherd’s Table.
Move to Progress Place:
In 1996, the Montgomery County government moved Shepherd’s Table from its cramped quarters to a newly renovated multipurpose community center called Progress Place. The programs grew as the organization adapted to meet the community’s needs. New programs included the Eye Clinic in 1999 and weekend brunch services in 2012.
In December 2016, Shepherd’s Table moved to a new facility provided by Montgomery County, about a block from our old location. We expanded our food services operation to include breakfast and lunch from Monday-Friday, with dinner served every night, and weekend brunches continuing as before.
Shepherd’s Table has never missed a meal since opening its doors almost 36 years ago, and we are committed to making sure we never do.
Homelessness in Montgomery County
In Montgomery County, there are 647 people experiencing homelessness, as counted by the 2019 Point in Time annual survey. Homeless individuals are assisted through various providers across Montgomery County, including state and local government agencies, nonprofit service providers, and other stakeholders that have a role in preventing and ending homelessness. Individuals are housed both in emergency and transitional housing in the hopes that permanent housing is eventually obtained.
Shepherd’s Table is pleased to be at the beginning of the Continuum of Care, offering basic human services and providing a strong safety net for people experiencing homelessness. The CoC embraces the Housing First philosophy, and is committed to making homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring for all residents. There are initiatives and campaigns to end chronic homelessness, veteran homelessness, and homelessness for families, youth and children.
Supportive Partners in the Fight Against Homelessness in Montgomery County and Washington D.C:
The Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for public health and human services that help address the needs of our community’s most vulnerable children, adults and seniors. The Crisis Center provides service to Montgomery County residents experiencing an emotional, crisis, or mental health problems. To reach the Crisis Center, call 240-777-4000.
Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless
MCCH is the leading organization dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness in Montgomery County.
Interfaith Works of Montgomery County
Interfaith Works 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. Interfaith Works Empowerment Center, a program of Interfaith Works, is housed in Progress Place along with Shepherd’s Table, providing for a strong partnership in serving our clients.
MobileMed provides medical care for low-income, uninsured and Medicaid-enrolled residents of Montgomery County through a network of primary care and specialty care clinics. One of the clinics, providing primary care and nurse case management services, is located on the second floor of Progress Place.
Manna Food Center (Community Food Rescue)
Manna Food Center’s singular mission is to eliminate hunger in Montgomery County, Maryland. Through food distribution, education and advocacy, they are making strides on behalf of more than 63,000 county residents who experience hunger and food insecurity.
Community Food Rescue (CFR)
Silver Spring Regional Service Center
The Silver Spring Regional Center connects Montgomery County and community members, businesses, institutions, non-profits, visitors, and all interests in Silver Spring. Their mission is to strengthen communication between the community and various agencies of County Government, coordinate necessary inter-agency action with respect to each local area, and recommend programs and policies tailored to the local community.
East Silver Spring Citizen’s Association
The East Silver Spring Citizen’s Association’s mission is to bring neighbors together to make our community safer, more beautiful, culturally and economically diverse, and… fun!