BALTIMORE – On March 26, 2011, Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services will once again coordinate the county’s Homeless Resource Day. At this event, more than 300 volunteers and 60 providers come together to deliver concrete services to over 400 of the county’s homeless individuals and families. This is the third year for this initiative.
This event is held at the Glen Burnie High School 7550 Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard. It is a one-day, one-stop opportunity for individuals and families experiencing homelessness to access services and benefits. These services and benefits range from medical care, substance abuse resources, mental health counseling, and a variety of social services that can ultimately lead to housing and self-sufficiency.
Community volunteers as well as local government agencies play a critical part in the event. Department of Aging vans pick up the homeless and transport them to Glen Burnie High School. Volunteer guides work with them to get needed services and the public donates food items and clean clothing. Services offered include medical, dental, vision screening, haircuts, birth certificates, ID cards, HIV testing, AA Meetings, Veterans Services, and Mental Health counseling.
Although it is difficult to determine precisely, estimates indicate more than 50,000 Marylanders experience homelessness for some period during the year.
