The distinguished guests gathered in the lobby of our 24/7 Emergency Shelter in White Plains.
Through the double doors, they could see rows upon rows of cots where homeless men, women and children will sleep tonight, safe and sheltered.
The guests of honor — Congressman Steny Hoyer and Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen — had come to present LifeStyles with a ceremonial check for $912,000 in congressional funding that will support much-anticipated improvements to the facilities for our shelter and our Homeless Day Program.
“It means so much that, well, that none of you have blocked my calls yet,” LifeStyles CEO Sandy Washington quipped before thanking the guests for their endless support. “You’ve got the world that you’re dealing with. That you would take the time to think about us and the things that we find important and put that energy and effort and put the dollar behind it, that means a lot.”
“Sandy,” Hoyer responded with a smile. “The world is not nearly as appreciative as you are.”
LifeStyles COO Corae Young shared that the White Plains shelter has so far served over 300 people and provided 9,214 bed nights—each night a person spends at the shelter is counted. The Homeless Day Program averages 34 people each weekday and has assisted 623 different individuals since its opening two years ago.
“You’re doing the Lord’s work,” Cardin said. “We are so inspired when we see your staff and what you do every day. Saving people’s lives, literally.”
Senator Van Hollen noted LifeStyles leadership role in the community and the value of the work LifeStyles does.
With this funding, we can make an even greater impact. It will help us transform the White Plains LifeStyles Center, enhancing its infrastructure and capacity to serve those in need. Key upgrades include:
Enhanced Security: Installation of a new secure wrought iron fence, improved lighting, and more secure doors and windows to safeguard the premises.
Vital Infrastructure Repairs: Replacement of the outdated HVAC system, repairs to the stairway, and improvements to outside walkways to ensure safety for children and the elderly.
Essential Facilities Upgrades: Roof repairs, installation of a generator for backup power, and paving of the bay areas for better access to food trucks.
Food Storage Enhancements: Acquisition and installation of a walk-in freezer and cooler to store bulk food donations, ensuring that LifeStyles can provide nutritious, fresh food to those in need.
These improvements will not only bolster our operational efficiency but also enable LifeStyles to expand our food distribution capabilities. With the new facilities, LifeStyles can accept more donations, including bulk food items from partners like Amazon and Whole Foods, ultimately saving thousands of dollars in monthly food expenses.
This will allow the organization to offer a greater variety of healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products, to food-insecure families and transitional housing residents across Southern Maryland.
In addition to the congressional delegation, other leaders and supporters in attendance included Maryland Delegates Edith Patterson and Debra Davis, Charles County Commissioners President Reuben Collins, Deputy Charles County Administrator Deborah Hall, Community Services Director Dina Barclay, Community Development Coordinator Barbara Farmer, G.S. Proctor & Associates CEO Steve Proctor, LifeStyles Board Chair Melissa Weikel and the LifeStyles management team and shelter staff.
“We are one organization and we’re trying to make sure we’re serving our purpose here,” Washington said. “But we’ve got tremendous partners in our community, and we’re so grateful for each and every one.”
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