Winter Relief

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Winter Relief Program

The Winter Relief Program, managed by the Arundel House of Hope, provides a homeless shelter during the cold winter months, November through March. Fresh cooked meals for breakfast and dinner and a hearty bag lunch are also provided each day during their stay. Over 60 churches participate in the Program on a rotating basis, each one hosting the shelter at their facility for one week at a time. It takes more than 150 volunteers to make this all happen successfully each week. St. Anne’s and First Presbyterian Church share a week each year. Volunteer positions include serving as a night monitor, providing meals and bag lunches, helping with laundry, setting up the First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall and many more.

As with just about everything in life these days the Winter Relief program is different but the need for support is still great. Since the Maryland Health Department determined that it is unsafe to house Winter Relief guests at churches this year, guests are staying at the Annapolis Red Roof Inn and their meals are being prepared and delivered by the Light House Bistro. CARES Act Grant is paying for this until the end of the year and then the county will provide funds to continue to run it through the end of March.

There are many special AHoH programs, e.g., locating permanent housing, providing transportation, etc., that require extra funds and that’s where the St. Anne’s community can still help. We previously raised funds for AHoH by selling Christmas Cards in the back of church after services.  This year we’re selling “Virtual Christmas Cards” between now and Christmas as an alternative. We can also make arrangements to have hard copies of the Christmas Cards available for those who wish to have them. Each “card” purchased provides the equivalent of doctor’s visit ($75), a night’s stay ($50) or transportation ($25) for those who AHoH serves.