Client storytelling is a staple of the nonprofit business model, ever present in advocacy, clinic tours, fundraising—and news articles like the one you are reading right now.
05.07.20
Protecting the lives of people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic is an ongoing challenge. But every day we are inspired by the outpouring of support you’ve shown for our staff and the people we serve.
Over the last several weeks, our community has rallied to donate money and protective equipment, including over 1,200 cloth masks. Your mask donations show how your care and compassion can turn even the simplest items into something that can be life-saving.
“A lot of the fabric I used came from quilts or blankets that I never quite got around to finishing,” says Sara Buth Waire, who donated 48 masks. “In a way, they became what they were meant to be: small pieces of fabric coming together to support something bigger.”
We’ve already given out 800 masks, at a rate of roughly 250 a week. And we’re making sure they go directly to the people who need them most.
“Our neighbors without homes do not have the privilege of staying home,” says Dr. Parita Patel, our Dental Director and coordinator of our mask distribution effort during COVID-19. “Your masks empower our clients to protect each other and prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
We aren’t out of the woods, but you give our staff and clients hope. Thank you for doing all you can to keep everyone safe and healthy.
Feeling inspired? You can help, too!
We can always use masks. Here are some tips from a pro (Meghan Curran, who donated 65 masks) to help you out:
For everyone's safety, contact us BEFORE you attempt to give.
Client storytelling is a staple of the nonprofit business model, ever present in advocacy, clinic tours, fundraising—and news articles like the one you are reading right now.
The Trans Rights Advocacy Coalition (TRAC) has been the driving force in championing trans rights policy changes in Maryland. Due to stigma and structural discrimination, transgender people—particularly transgender people of color—experience high rates of homelessness. Following the implementation of the Trans Health Equity Act in January, we talked with TRAC leadership about their work and community.
Since starting in January 2022, REI Health Specialist Arie Hayre-Somuah, LMSW, MPH has worked with our clinical teams to identify health disparities and move us closer to health equity. This year, she is turning her focus to the topic of health literacy.
We are delighted to announce the promotion of Hanna Mast from Senior Communications Manager to Director of Communications. Get to know more about her work in the Q&A below!