7,789 homeless people in Maryland

14% of all Maryland homeless are veterans

1 in 4 children live under the poverty line in D.C.

These federal statistics are heartbreaking. What’s worse? They were calculated during a cold January day in 2016.

On this blog, we’ve talked about the correlations between mental illness, substance abuse, homelessness, and other factors that create vulnerable communities.

Now it’s time to act.

As you snuggle with your loved ones this holiday season, you have the power to make a huge difference in the lives of needy people.

Today, Volunteers of America Chesapeake launches our 5 Weeks of Giving campaign.

From today until December 31, we’re raising awareness about the concerns of the:

• Homeless
• Veterans
• Substance Abusers
• Individuals in Supportive Housing
• Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
• Individuals with Behavioral Health Concerns
• Individuals Formally Incarcerated

 

Through this blog and our social media pages, we will spotlight inspiring individuals we’ve been honored to support and uplift to self-sufficiency.

We will also provide behind-the-scenes experiences of our facilities, talk about the role of faith in our services, and hear from a few of the thousands of volunteers, employees, and partners who make our work possible.

Every Sunday, we’ll provide a preview on this blog of the week to come.

Here’s the preview for the week of November 27-December 3, 2016

Theme: Caring

Monday

Michele Porter, director of VOAC’s Supportive Services for Veterans Program, talks about the importance of providing a caring atmosphere for vulnerable veterans

Tuesday

VIDEO: Our veterans team gives you a behind-the-scenes tour of the program and tell you first-hand how they empower veterans

TD Bank encourages everyone to join them in giving to Volunteers of America Chesapeake on #GivingTuesday

Wednesday

Employee Lauren Lee shares our #WednesdayWord and details how working at a faith-based organization has empowered her to serve clients in a caring way

Thursday

VIDEO: Navy veteran Damian Rodriguez talks more about how Volunteers of America Chesapeake’s caring employees supported him through his lowest point of homelessness, while preserving his dignity, and helping him obtain permanent housing

Friday

VIDEO: WUSA 9 shares details of the news station’s partnership with us to collect toys for D.C.’s homeless and needy children

Experience these stories by connecting with us on our Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages.

Please share, like, and comment using the hashtag #5WeeksofGiving.

Help us bring attention to the DMV’s most vulnerable while promoting giving.

Contribute here

Thank you for your support!