As we heard at our December 7 Forum on "Homelessness in Montgomery County," federal funding for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) programs—which allow the most vulnerable, those with significant and insuperable disabilities, to live stably in a home instead of on the street—was suddenly paused. It is now under threat of being effectively cancelled.
As the issue is fought out in the courts, the federal government has refused to fulfill existing contracts to fund PSH in 2026, threatening to throw many onto the streets as of January 1, when 2025 funding ends. This includes 30 vulnerable households currently housed under one of Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless’s (MCCH) signature programs, "Home First." With a 32-percent increase in homelessness in our County last year, shelters are already overwhelmed and support networks struggling to keep up; the County and MCCH are scrambling to find solutions. Meanwhile, January 1 rent must be paid in order for these 30 households to retain their housing while a solution is found.
Good news is that we can help! At its December 16 meeting, St. John's Vestry voted to donate the proceeds of our Christmas Eve collection to help pay the January rent of $14,000 for the 30 households in the "Home First" Program. Please consider giving generously to help our neighbors most in need! Put a check (payable to St. John's Norwood with MCCH in the memo line) in the Christmas Eve offering plate, or donate online via Breeze (select "Christmas Fund" from the drop-down). Thank you!!
Questions?
Complete this form to connect with the Rev. Anne Derse, Deacon & Minister for Community Engagaement.