The pandemic has made living situations hard across the country. Even though there was some leniency in collecting rent and mortgages, all of that debt continued to accrue as people found themselves out of work and without a way to make payments on their housing. People have found themselves without a home and unable to find stable housing as they worked to get
Food pantries saw a greater number of those in need. In addition to needing food, some people found themselves in need of housing, too. If people were evicted before the spike in COVID cases in March, they may not have been covered in the COVID assistance programs in Maryland.
With schools closed, it was harder to obtain resources and names of homeless prevention services that can be found in school counseling offices.
There are resources or people in need of transitional housing, shelter, and permanent housing. Shelter and transitional housing serve the same purpose. They provide a temporary place for people while they seek permanent housing.
Transitional housing is temporary housing that can last a few weeks or a couple of years.
“Transitional housing is temporary housing for certain segments of the homeless population, including working homeless people who are earning too little money to afford long-term housing. Transitional housing is set up to transition residents into permanent, affordable housing. It is not in an emergency homeless shelter, but usually a room or apartment in a resident with support services.” —Wikipedia, Transitional Housing
Many people saw economic and domestic crises during the pandemic. They needed an emergency shelter that provides support services. The shelter also provides the much-needed short-term stabilization people need as they get back on their feet, look for jobs, and permanent housing that meets their needs.
The key components to any type of shorter housing are beds, meals, storage for personal items, safety, and housing search support. Transitional housing and shelters are for the short term with the idea that the person will be given the support and resources to help them move into more permanent lodging.
Organizations in Anne Arundel County saw a surge in individuals who needed homeless prevention services during the pandemic.
Do you know someone in Anne Arundel County who needs help with homeless prevention? The Coalition for the Homeless is a wonderful resource. Here are places that will also provide help and resources for transitional long term housing in Anne Arundel County
Light House: A Homeless Prevention
Address: 10 Hudson Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
E: info@annapolislighthouse.org
P: 410-349-5056
Due to the pandemic, the Lighthouse supported 40% more clients in 2020 than they do in a typical year. They have room for 45 individuals and up to 5 families who require emergency shelter. They have been able to move more than 48 individuals into permanent housing. It’s programs like this one, that will help people get back on their feet during the pandemic and after.
Phone: 410-863-4888
Email: info@arundelhoh.org
Another resource is The Arundel House of Hope who helps men and women with transitional housing and permanent housing.
They have a Resource Day Center that is open to men, women, and children. Because it is not a program, but simply a place to shelter from the elements during the day, to get coffee or a snack, or use the restrooms for shower and shaving, it has no criteria or restrictions. All are welcome and encouraged to use the facilities. They also offer case management services to anyone who requests assistance.
514 North Crain Highway Suite K, Glen Burnie, MD
They are open Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm and on Saturdays 8:30am to 4:00pm
Arundel House of Hope also offers permanent housing services for homeless and disabled men in their Safe Haven I and II programs. For more information about this program, you can contact the case manager at 410-863-4888.
Arundel House of Hope offers permanent housing for women in their Women in Safe Haven (W.I.S.H.) I and II programs. Women have the support of a resident manager. Call 410-863-4888 for more information.
Do you know of any other resources in Anne Arundel County? Please let me know in the comments! Thank you for reading.
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