CHESTERTOWN — The Shelter Alliance held its inaugural event at the Sultana Education Foundation headquarters on Sept. 15, when about 170 people came together to hear state Secretary of Housing and Community Development Jake Day as the keynote speaker.
The newly launched nonprofit’s mission is to provide a year-round shelter and individualized support for community members experiencing homelessness in Kent County.
According to a news release, last week’s event was dedicated to examining the root causes of homelessness, exploring practical pathways to help unhoused neighbors move toward stability and self-sufficiency, and celebrating the organization’s leadership under Dr. Kimrose Goodall, the newly appointed executive director tasked with pioneering these efforts.
Maryland Secretary of Planning Rebecca Flora, a Chestertown resident, opened the program by introducing Day and noting their shared commitment to approaches that are both data driven and heart led.
After spending the day touring Kent County, Secretary Day spoke about the compounding effects of the nation’s failure in recent years to build sufficient affordable housing.
He emphasized Gov. Wes Moore’s administration’s belief that everyone deserves safe shelter and called for collaboration across all levels of government.
He also highlighted the Maryland Shelter and Transitional Facilities Grant Program, which funds improvements to emergency shelters and the creation of transitional housing, and “committed to partnering with The Shelter Alliance to help bring resources to Kent County,” according to the news release.
Goodall brought the conversation close to home with a snapshot of local need. She reported that Kent County ranks third in Maryland for adolescent homelessness, and while single men comprise the largest group experiencing homelessness nationally and locally, there are also many single women, mothers with children and a growing number of older adults facing uncertain futures.
Goodall outlined The Shelter Alliance’s mission to provide a 24/7 year-round shelter paired with individualized, wraparound support.
The Shelter Alliance operates with a working eight-member board, an executive director and a case manager.
According to the news release, the organization “actively coordinates with partner agencies and community organizations to streamline intake and tailor services to each guest’s needs.”
Goodall expressed a need for board expansion and invited attendees to come on board.
To volunteer, email Contact@shelteralliancemd.org
During the question and answer portion of the program, Goodall stated that an ideal facility for a future shelter would be an existing structure that can be safely adapted for both the safety and diversity of guests and their subsequent unique needs, while also being located near public services such as substance use and mental health support, partner agencies and everyday amenities, according to the news release.
She emphasized that proximity is key because the goal is to encourage shelter residents to access these vital programs and resources, and local transportation challenges in Kent County make accessibility a significant consideration.
The event concluded with a presentation honoring board President Carol Niemand for her vision, persistence and leadership in founding The Shelter Alliance and steering the organization to early milestones.
An annual report summarizing The Shelter Alliance’s accomplishments was available at the event.
The report also will be available on the organization’s Facebook page (The Shelter Alliance) and website www.shelteralliancemd.org, which will be launched on World Homeless Awareness Day (Oct. 10).
The Shelter Alliance Inc. is a component fund of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to which donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Checks payable to “Mid-Shore Community Foundation” with “Shelter Alliance” in the memo line should be mailed to The Shelter Alliance, P.O. Box 2, Chestertown, MD 21620.
