Help for the Homeless of Elkton

Norm, Robert and Rob hanging out in the tent. 

I haven’t had much chance to blog lately and there is a good reason for that. I have not only been off-line, but I have been homeless for a couple of months. It has been a difficult trial, but it has also been very enlightening. I learned a lot about the community around me, the other homeless people, and the way the police handle the homeless. I also found out that McDonald’s isn’t much of a fan of the homeless even if they are purchasing the products that are available. I want to fill you in on some of this so this blog will cover a wide range of information on being homeless in Elkton, Maryland.

The first blog I think should cover the many people who are willing to help the homeless. There are a lot of people out there that help and shining a light on them for a little while is extremely important.

Here are some of the resources for the homeless in Elkton, Maryland. There is not a single person in Elkton who could complain that they are hungry. If they do, it is their own fault. There are plenty of meal programs that fill the stomachs of those who would otherwise go hungry.

Paris Foundation- This is a church in Elkton that is specifically designed to feed the homeless in a sheltered atmosphere. It is run by Pastor Mike and there are many volunteers that make it happen. Area churches come in with meals prepared (often from scratch) and the meals are very good. They also have a closet area where they give out items like clothing, toiletries, blankets and sometimes tents to help as much as they possibly can. They also taught us the fine art of never touching the walls so that we can keep the paint as fresh as possible. There are a few people who break the rules and do not do what they are supposed to or worse yet, do what they know they are not supposed to. There are also those who follow the rules, are thankful for the food and who volunteer their time to help ease the burden on the outside volunteers. Thank you to the foundation and the churches that make it all possible. Please visit their website by clicking here.

Mary Randall Center- This is a place where the homeless can get breakfast Monday thru Friday. Showers and lockers are available as well as washers and dryers. They have bikes that can be signed out for the day, help with finding jobs and housing. They have a limited amount of clothing and shoes to help as well. They don’t ask much back except some help with unloading donated products and milk and help cleaning up before they close. They also ask that you do not use foul language and that you use inside voices even when you are outside. Learn more about the Mary Randall Center by clicking here.

The Help Center- Food and clothing items are donated to the Help Center and it is one of the best ways to get clean clothing etc. This is for low income people and they provide year round help for those who are in need. Every now and then they have extra good, farm fresh foods such as potatoes, corn on the cob and watermelon.

On Our Own- This group helps people with addictions and bipolar disorder. They help people schedule appointments and they have group meetings, movie days and such things. There is a computer available for job searching and gathering resources as well. It is a great group of people that are well worth meeting and I am glad to be a part of their group. Learn more about On Our Own by clicking here.

These are the four places that are a great help to the homeless. Anyone who uses these services and are not thankful for them are, in my opinion, sad cases that may never rise out of their ashes.

The Lord provides in every way and he has certainly done that for me. It may not have been the way I would have liked, but it was the best way to get me the help that I have truly needed for years. God bless those who give their time and services to help people who need it most.

The homeless of Elkton walk miles and miles a day to get done what needs to be done to get off the streets.

Matthew 25:35-- For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.