Many Paths Led Area Homeless to Resource Day

Darlene and her 19-year-old daughter have been staying with family in the Cedonia neighborhood of Baltimore for the past year after losing her publicly funded housing.

The 48-year-old woman, who works part-time in the plant that assembles The Baltimore Sun, said she saw an advertisement for Anne Arundel County’s Homeless Resource Day and thought she could get some help.

“I wanted to try to get my housing back. I’ve tried [in Anne Arundel County] before, but I got denied. So now I’m trying to get back on the list,” she said after speaking with representatives from the Housing Commission of Anne Arundel County.

Once she realized all of the different resources that were available at the event, Darlene said it made sense to take care of everything all at once.

“Once we got here I found out about the other things they had,” she said.

Darlene and her daughter spent much of their Saturday at learning about shelters, applying for housing, food stamps and health insurance, replacing her birth certificate and event getting a bit of pampering.

“They’re giving haircuts?” she said. “I messed up my hair a while ago and have been wearing this wig. I should get my hair cut.”

The women were two of an estimated 500 people who received services Saturday at the county-sponsored event. Darlene’s situation could be considered more fortunate than some of the other people who came to receive services. Many said they didn’t have anywhere to stay at all and lived in wooded areas or shelters throughout the region.

“This, today, is a one-stop-shop for all the services. And it’s a very effective way of helping people get [on] their feet,” said County Executive John R. Leopold in remarks he made to volunteers to kick-off the event. “All of you are playing a very important role of helping our homeless in this county.”

About 365 volunteers signed up to give their time Saturday, according to Christine Poulsen, program manager of community initiatives for the Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services.

“I hope it increases awareness [for volunteers and service providers]. It’s surprising the number of people who don’t realize the homeless don’t have access to services,” she said.

In 2010, 91 service providers participated in the event offering access to resources such as financial assistance, job training, clothing and furniture, health and dental screenings, housing, and counseling for domestic violence victims and those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse and addiction, Poulsen said. She estimated just as many, if not more, participated this year.

For months the department of social services spread the word to homeless and near-homeless people to let them know about the event.

“We try to spread the word as much as we can,” Poulsen said, adding that different shelters and charity organizations spread the word as well. “And the homeless have a good communication system.”

Cape St. Claire resident Karen Castro, who guided Darlene and her daughter through the available resources, said she volunteered as a runner last year, assisting service providers throughout the day.

“It’s harder to be a guide because you’re interacting with the guests,” Castro said. “I was hesitant to do it because I want to make sure they get everything they need, but I think I’m doing OK.”

Castro, who is studying human services at Anne Arundel Community College, said she was impressed by how quickly guests were able to receive services. Darlene was able to walk away with her replacement birth certificate and completely apply for food stamps within in hour.

"Here they're concentrating on [the guest] and not a number. [Guests] are getting resources and they feel they're accomplishing something instead of sitting in a chair and waiting for hours," Castro said.

Darlene said she was glad she attended the resource day and hopes to be granted housing and health insurance.

“I got everything done I wanted to,” she said, adding that she was looking forward to hearing back from the housing commission.