Feature Story Two: Shepherd’s Table Provides Basic Human Services to Homeless in Montgomery County

For almost 35 years, Shepherd’s Table has never missed serving a meal since opening its doors in 1983.

In fact, the Silver Spring non-profit has served over 1,400,000 meals to men and women who are hungry and are experiencing homelessness in their communities.

According to The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, the Washington, D.C. region has approximately 12,000 homeless persons.

Across the nation and on any given night there are an estimated 645,000 homeless people experiencing homelessness in America.

At the core of Shepherd’s Table mission is their meal service program, which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner during the week, and brunch and dinner on the weekends. The non-profit offers a Resource Center that is open daily, a weekly Clothes Closet Program and Montgomery County’s only free Eye Clinic.

As cited on The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s website, homelessness is defined in four broad categories:

• People who are living in a place not meant for human habitation, in emergency shelter, in transitional housing, or are exiting an institution where they temporarily resided;
• People who are losing their primary nighttime residence, which may include a motel or hotel or a doubled-up situation, within 14 days and lack resources or support networks to remain in housing;
• Families with children or unaccompanied youth who are unstably housed and likely to continue in that state; and
• People who are fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, have no other residence and lack the resources or support networks to obtain other permanent housing.

How can you help Shepherd’s Table? Learn about volunteer opportunities here. Currently, more than 1,400 people volunteer time at the non-profit annually.

Donations are also needed. Click here to learn about the four major ways to donate.