Contact: David Weaver, 301-217-6530
For Immediate Release: February 4, 1999

Duncan Recommends Additional
Funding For Homeless Services

Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan today announced that he will include more than $350,000 in additional funding within his recommended FY 2000 operating budget to fund an array of homeless services provided by community-based, no-profit organizations. If the funding is approved by the County Council, five groups - Community Vision, Inc., The Dwelling Place, Community Ministry of Montgomery County, Montgomery Avenue Women's Center, and the Coalition for the Homeless -- will receive additional operating funds in fiscal year 2000.

"These additional funds will help continue the excellent work of community groups throughout Montgomery County who are providing an invaluable service to those most in need," said Duncan. "Their success is directly dependent on our ability to help them meet that need."

Duncan made his announcement at the Progress Place Multi-service Center in south Silver Spring, a facility operated by the non-profit organization, Community Vision, Inc. The facility, which also houses Shepherd's Table, Community Clinic and the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services' community outreach programs, provides services to more than 300 homeless individuals.

The County Executive is recommending an additional $150,000 for Community Vision, to support maintenance of the Progress Place facility and the addition of staff and services. Community Vision's services and resources for the homeless include outreach efforts, case management, substance abuse counseling, housing placement assistance, support groups, food and other basic needs.

"The revitalization of downtown Silver Spring is about more than just bricks and mortar, it's also about helping those in need," said Duncan. "As we work to reshape the skyline of the downtown area, we should also help to reshape the lives of the area's most vulnerable individuals. Community Vision has been a tremendous partner with us in this effort and we want to ensure that partnership continues."

Other organizations to receive added funding include:

• The Dwelling Place (Gaithersburg) - a non-profit organization that provides transitional housing to homeless families with children, would receive $11,000 in additional money to help leverage state, federal, and private grant funds for their housing and supportive services.

• Recuperative Care Program (Rockville) - a component of the Community-Based Shelter in Rockville operated by Community Ministry of Montgomery County, is requesting $61,000 to continue the program and add contractual nursing case management services to assure appropriate medical care. The program provides homeless persons who have been discharged from an acute care setting and are in need of a safe place to recuperate for a period of up to eight weeks.

• Gude Shelter (Rockville) for homeless men operated by the Coalition for the Homeless would receive $60,000 to pay for increases in operating expenses for the severe weather refuge. Funds are needed to sustain improved sanitary conditions, provide staff for a third trailer that was recently added in response to increased demand, and the cost of its rental and utilities.

• Montgomery Avenue Women's Center (formerly known as Cordelia House), a day shelter for homeless women, is slated to receive $70,000 in one-time funds to contribute to the renovation costs for a new facility, which is currently housed in a small room in the Rockville United Methodist Church. The group has succeeded in securing a HUD grant for $250,000 to lease a new facility to provide expanded services to the most vulnerable homeless women.

  "Our community partners are a vital key to ensuring that those most in need in our County have the resources necessary to help put their lives back together," said Duncan. "As best possible, we need to maintain our support so that they can continue their wonderful humanitarian work."

  "Thanks to Montgomery County's continued financial support, Community Vision is able to provide homeless individuals with the tools needed to become self-sufficient," said Deborah Cooper, executive director of Community Vision. "These funds are used to provide outreach, case management, and basic need services to homeless individuals. It also provides for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of Progress Place, which is managed by Community Vision."

  "On behalf of the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless and all of the providers whose programs will benefit from this additional financial support from the County, I thank you," said Sharon London, executive director of the Coalition for the Homeless. "But, more importantly, on behalf of the homeless -- vulnerable men, women and children whose lives will be improved because of this additional support - we all thank you."

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