In mid-November, the Board of Zoning Appeals voted unanimously to approve a permit for Talbot Interfaith Shelter (TIS) to operate a second shelter facility directly next door to their existing shelter in the heart of downtown Easton. On January 26, TIS finalized the purchase of the property.
After a few upgrades, including the installation of a fire suppression system, this new shelter will serve single men and women, while the organization’s first shelter, located in a former bed and breakfast called Easton’s Promise, will be converted to a families-only facility.
“This is a big leap forward for our organization,” says TIS Executive Director Julie Lowe. “We have been receiving approximately 25 calls per month from single individuals seeking shelter and assistance with getting back on their feet. It has been heartbreaking to turn people away, and we are looking forward to being able to welcome more of our neighbors into our family in the near future.”
In addition, those looking to provide financial support for the shelter’s expansion now have a unique opportunity to double the impact of their donation. In honor of Marketing and Development Director Jayme Dingler’s 40th birthday, a generous donor offered to match the next $40,000 donated in support of Talbot Interfaith Shelter’s mission. Jayme will also donate $40 each in honor of the first 10 people to make a gift as part of the campaign.
She says, “One of the biggest blessings of my entire life is being a part of this incredible organization… As TIS and I are reaching major milestones at the same time, it seems only fitting to celebrate my ‘big day’ by celebrating TIS! Thank you to our generous matching donor for making this possible, and thanks in advance to everyone who contributes. I am humbled and so grateful!”
To make a donation, visit talbotinterfaithshelter.org or mail a check to PO Box 2004, Easton, Maryland 21601. Contact Jayme at jaymedingler@talbotinterfaithshelter.org or 443-786-4676 to learn about other ways to give.
Talbot Interfaith Shelter is dedicated to ending homelessness on Maryland’s Mid-Shore by providing Shelter, Stability, Support, and a path to Success for families and individuals in need. These are the tenets of TIS’ S4 Program, a long term, comprehensive program that is designed to guide guests from homelessness to self-sufficiency. Guests start out at one of TIS’ homelike shelter facilities, located in downtown Easton. There, they receive case management, are connected with necessary services, and participate in educational programming including health, parenting, and nutritional cooking classes, among others.
Once they have reached a certain level of financial stability, guests are invited to move into one of TIS’ 10 off-site transitional apartments. There, they begin by paying approximately $250 per month to start, while TIS subsidizes the remainder. Over time, their portion increases, until they are able to take over the full rent and reach financial independence.
To learn more about Talbot Interfaith Shelter’s S4 Program and how you can help, visit talbotinterfaithshelter.org or contact Executive Director Julie Lowe at 410-310-2316.