The Winter Relief Program is implemented in cooperation with the Arundel House of Hope (AHOH) in Glen Burnie, MD. The AHOH is an ecumenical organization that provides emergency, transitional, and permanent affordable housing to the poor and homeless in Anne Arundel County. Each year, 65-70 churches in Anne Arundel provide one week of emergency shelter to approximately 100 homeless over the period early October through March. St. Andrew by the Bay generally hosts the last week of December through the 1st of January.
At St. Andrew, 30-35 men are provided overnight shelter, 2 cooked meals and a bagged lunch, showers and laundry services, in addition to comfort, care, and companionship. Generally, over 200 volunteer opportunities exist. These include volunteers who host the guests over the evening and night to all day on holidays and Sundays; others who prepare and serve breakfast and dinner or pack the lunches; others who provide laundry service; and others who set up cots and equipment and provide clean up. Volunteers also donate supplies, food and drink, and cash to purchase food and supplies. Additionally, volunteers have knit scarves; purchased pre-paid cards for the guests; and/or organized music events or games. It has been estimated that the total number of volunteer hours is over 900 each year.
For more information on this Ministry or to volunteer, please call 410-974-4366 to contact Krystal Garay.