Turning Over A New Leaf
Interfaith Works’ newest emergency shelter was named with great intention: New Leaf. The name captures all that Interfaith Works hopes to accomplish at this all-gender facility, which is to provide our clients with the tools and resources they need to turn over a new leaf in life.
New Leaf offers a stable place to live for individuals from all walks of life. A large percentage of our current residents are between the ages of 35-44; 63% have had multiple episodes of homelessness. More than half of our residents are living with a disabling condition.
Currently, 25 residents are living at New Leaf shelter. Since the shelter opened, all clients have been connected to a case manager, and many have been able to enroll in food assistance benefits and Medicaid. Clients also have been connected to medical providers and an on-site psychiatrist so they can stay up to date on their medications.
Some have connected with other IW programs, including Vocational Services and Rapid Rehousing. The stability and structure provided by the shelter are welcomed. One client said:
“My mind has just been all over the place and I've just been on 'go' full time. Since getting [to New Leaf] I feel like I can breathe for a minute and get some rest."
Another client found the stability and resources she needed to move on to housing.
Pam came to the US from Republic of the Congo in 2015 as a political asylee. Raising two teenagers on her own, she worked multiple jobs and received a housing subsidy to make ends meet. Once her children turned 18, Pam was not eligible for the subsidy program anymore. Her income could not cover the rent, bills, and other financial responsibilities. After Pam was evicted, she was referred to the New Leaf Shelter. While at New Leaf, she worked as a caretaker for two elderly adults, providing respite to their families as well as support to her clients.
Fiercely independent, Pam struggled to ask for the help that she herself needed while living in the shelter.
Once she started to work with her case manager and a Diversion Specialist with Montgomery County, they were able to find a room rental within her budget. With the help of the County, Interfaith Works staff, and partner Towels for Tears, Pam received her first month’s rent and security deposit, a new mattress and bedframe, linens, and more.
Today, Pam, who has taken care of others for so long, has a place she can call home again.
We owe much of the success of our initial months at New Leaf to the volunteers who dedicate time, energy, and resources to our clients. These include:
Towels for Tears - Made 30 move-in toiletry kits for our clients and provided new towels and bedding.
KindWorks - Donated computers, webcams, keyboards, mice, sound system and monitors for our computer labs. They have also made frequent donations of soups and casseroles. Some of their other donations include hats, mittens, and a microwave.
Saint Paul’s Church - Donated multiple toiletries, books, and meals, along with clothing items.
Rise N Shine Foundation – Provided breakfast to New Leaf residents throughout the month of December.
Saint Mary’s Church in Rockville - Provided gift cards and monetary donations during Christmas. They also donate dinner on the first Monday of every month.
Saint Patrick's Church in Derwood - Donated numerous items from our Amazon opening wish list as well as toiletries. They have also signed up to donate meals each month.
We would welcome more meal donors!
