If the sight of homeless individuals on the streets of downtown Bethesda troubles you, consider donating to Bethesda Cares on Sunday, October 27. Bethesda Cares works to prevent, ease, and end homelessness in our community. (See https://bethesdacares.org/who-we-are/)
To prevent homelessness, the Eviction Prevention Manager reviews requests from individuals seeking assistance and, if warranted, sends a grant directly to the landlord. To ease homelessness, the Street Outreach Team goes directly to parks, downtown streets, and parking garages, providing blankets and first aid and developing relationships with homeless individuals. Staff and volunteers also ease homelessness by serving lunch at the Church in Bethesda Monday through Friday. Finally, Bethesda Cares works to end homelessness through its Veterans Rapid Rehousing and Supportive Housing Programs, providing rental assistance and case management. To ensure that transitions to housing succeed, staff visit clients as often as 6 times a month, keeping them engaged with available services and connecting them to governmental and social services.
Donations may be made via Breeze (Select “Outreach Sunday: Bethesda Cares” from the drop-down menu.); by texting “outreach” to (301) 685-7608; or by check, payable to St. John’s Norwood with “Bethesda Cares” on the memo line. Thanks!