NOTE: Those interested in applying for residence at Southern Crossing can begin by contacting our property manager, Lisa Cheseldine-Gass, at cmc.leaseup@gmail.com
We believed it was possible.
On a hot June day in Newburg, we celebrated the Grand Opening of something extraordinary — the North Wing at Southern Crossing.
What was once the abandoned, drug-ridden White House Motel on US-301 now stands as a place of dignity, safety and second chances.
This isn’t just transitional housing. It’s a launchpad for transformation.
Southern Crossing offers independent living for people experiencing homelessness or teetering on the edge. It’s the first of its kind in Southern Maryland. The 10 private units in the North Wing — and more on the way — represent a place where residents can live, learn and grow with the support they need to move forward.
“This project is not only to serve those who are homeless, but also those who are just barely making it,” Chief Operating Officer Corae Young. “We’re giving them an opportunity to rebirth themselves.”
A Place Where People Rise
The celebration brought together local leaders, partners and dozens of our supporters. Some have walked alongside us for years. Others joined us for the first time as Southern Crossing took shape. But all believed in the same thing, that we can build a community where everyone matters.
LifeStyles CEO Sandy Washington shared the journey with emotion and truth.
“This motel was empty, broken, drug-infested, and everyone thought it was no good,” she said. “People just discarded it, the same way they discard so many of the people we serve. … I’m telling you, put a little investment in people. They’re worth it.”
We saw potential where others saw decay.
We saw future tenants who could rise — if only given a fair shot.
The ribbon-cutting was more than a ceremony. It was a declaration: Hope lives here now.
And the community showed up in full force to support it.
Kathy Guzman, President of the Charles County Chamber of Commerce, shared her own powerful story.
“Twenty-five years ago, I came to LifeStyles for help,” she said. “The evolution of what a person can become, I’m living proof.”
Congressman Steny Hoyer’s office presented us with an American flag to fly at Southern Crossing. Charles County Commissioners President Reuben Collins gave us the official county seal, a symbol of shared purpose.
And our friends at Wells Fargo took our breath away with a surprise announcement of an additional $85,000 in funding to support this work.
Built with Love, Backed by Community
We didn’t do this alone. It took bold vision and tireless commitment from so many.
Washington thanked many of the businesses that have made an impact at Southern Crossing — including The Wills Group, Wells Fargo, Chick-fil-A, SE Davis Construction and so many others.
Their support turned this project into a reality. Their belief in our mission fuels what comes next.
Southern Crossing will do more than house people. It will teach life skills, restore confidence, and prepare residents for the next step toward permanent housing. Through our Coordinated Entry System, we’ll help each person or family get the services and guidance they need to succeed.
As Young said, “Our goal is to provide a learning environment in a supportive manner, while also providing households the dignity and respect they deserve to live autonomously.”
Because dignity changes everything.
The North Wing at Southern Crossing is open. Residents will move in soon.
Southern Crossing is alive with promise, with community, with hope.
Thank you to everyone who helped us reach this moment.
We’re just getting started.
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