HSP has a staff of nearly 80 employees and is a private, non-profit 501c-3 corporation.

HSP is part of a large, national network of Community Action Agencies

o CAAs have eight goals (provided directly or through partners)

HSP operates over 30 different programs designed to achieve these goals

HSP operates an Intact Family Shelter with 27 available beds

o FY09 – 75 clients were housed; 36 adults and 39 children

HSP operates a Men’s Shelter with 8 available beds

o FY09 – 47 men were housed

HSP operates a Women’s Shelter with 23 available beds

o FY09 – 52 women and 50 children were housed

HSP operates a Safe Haven Shelter with 25 available beds

o Only long-term shelter program

o For chronically homeless adults with a serious mental illness

o FY09 - 68 men and women were housed

HSP operates a Domestic Violence Safe House with 8 available beds

o FY09 – 49 women and 33 children were kept safe

o Partnership with Family and Children’s Services

o Current location is temporary, need exists for a permanent facility

HSP operates a Cold Weather Shelter

o FY09 – 130 were served

o 62% of these clients were first-time users of CWS (within the last 5 years of data-tracked)

HSP administers multiple Housing Assistance programs

o Rental Allowance Program, Service Linked Housing, Supportive Housing , Permanent Housing for Persons with Disabilities

o FY09 – served 97 households through these programs

HSP operates a Family Support Center to strengthen families with young children

o Child Development – FY09 – served 139 children, from birth through age 3

o Parent Education/Parent-Child Activities – engaged 244 participants

o Dads Works – served 117 men (with children of any age)

o Nutrition, Self Sufficiency, Peer Support and Outreach services also

HSP provides reimbursement to licensed Home Child Care Providers for meals and snacks

o FY09 – reimbursement provided for 279,555 meals and snacks to 854 children at 113 home providers

HSP has an Emergency Services unit to help clients maintain essential utilities and housing

o FY09 – 1451 households received assistance.

o 179 households received security deposits, 160 households received eviction prevention assistance

o 103 households received assistance to maintain or resume water service

HSP administers the Maryland Energy Assistance Program/OHEP

o FY09 – 3670 applications were processed

o 2970 households received assistance exceeding $4,025,000

HSP operates a Family Links program

o Works to identify needs of and resources for at-risk or low-income citizens

o FY09 – 471 households were assisted, 204 households received in-depth needs assessments

HSP has entered the world of Job Readiness, Life Skills and Asset Development

o By providing life and job readiness skills, free tax preparation and financial literacy tools, HSP will further its mission to promote self-sufficiency by assisting low-income citizens in learning critical life management skills, gaining and maintaining employment and building personal assets.

 

HSP accepts donations of almost anything – furniture, baby items, food, office supplies, personal care items, paper products, cleaning supplies, toys, books, clothing, new undergarments and socks. We will even pick up your donations!

HSP does not resell any of the items we receive as donations. We operate a "shop" called Second Chances so items are used by those moving out of shelter or they are given at no charge to those in our community who have a demonstrated need.

HSP needs volunteers – we have a full-time Volunteer Coordinator to meet with anyone interested to explore opportunities including: office help, donation pick-up, computer help, web development, mentoring, fundraising, lawn mowing and gardening, or any other talent you’d like to share!

HSP relies on financial donations from individuals, businesses, churches and other groups and organizations. These flexible funds become critical when we need to make a purchase or provide a service that is not specifically covered by a grant.

HSP is a United Way Agency. Simply enter our designation number 4685 to send your payroll-deducted donations directly to us.

HSP is here to help those in need. Keep our resources in mind for family, friends, neighbors, and employees – anyone that could benefit from our services.

HSP is a partner in the Month of Sundays Summer Concert Series – concerts held in the City Park each Sunday in July. You can sponsor the series and support HSP!

HSP has Tax Credits – we can help businesses reduce their Maryland tax liability through a contribution that helps us help our community. A credit for 50% of the donation will be issued – and the whole amount can still be deducted as a charitable contribution on Federal and State taxes. It sounds more confusing than it is – and there’s little paperwork – really!

HSP does holiday shopping for Neighbors In Need all year long – and you can too! The task of providing holiday gifts for thousands is a challenge. It takes the efforts of many working throughout the year collecting great items and the best prices. So if you see a deal too good to pass up, go for it! You can be sure we’ll put your purchases to excellent use!