From 2015 to 2016 homelessness grew by 35% in Southern Maryland. In 2017, Charles County has the highest percent of Southern Maryland’s homeless population.

Families and individuals are living out of their vehicles. Many times, these vehicles are packed with personal belongings, leaving just enough space for them to lay their head, sometimes in despair, pondering their immediate future. Some establish a place in the woods, sleeping out of tents and sometimes even makeshift tents. By doing so, they gain more space, and maybe even friendship as others place tents nearby. For many, the daily despair and bouts with depression add to their challenges.

Why wouldn’t it? Fighting day in and day out through the blistering heat of the summer, downpours, and cold in the winter, while for most, living in conditions that many of us could not imagine. Worried about their next meal, or worse, their child’s next meal.

At LifeStyles, we offer relief from some of these conditions. We give them access to food, showers, clothing, laundry, telephone, mail, and employment services. They can also benefit from case management services and resources for permanent housing.

For many, especially those living in the woods, transportation is a challenge. So, we must go to them. We would like to expand our outreach services by traveling to additional locations to assist with showering, clean clothes, food, laundry and other necessities.

Homelessness is a community issue, so we are asking the community for help. We have a chance to receive a $25,000 grant award to help us to expand our outreach services. We need you to help us win. All we need is your vote.

We are one of 200 finalists of State Farms #SFNeighborhoodAssist program. Organizations that land in the top 40 in voting will receive a $25,000 grant. You can vote using the following link between Aug. 16 and Aug. 24. https://www.neighborhoodassist.com/entry/1997179

Please vote today! You can vote up to 10 times per day just click “use remaining votes.” Please, LIKE and SHARE with your family, friends, and co-workers to help us get the word out.

Let’s Fight #Homelessness Together!