The Healthy Families Department and other local organizations to help the unhoused during the cold weather months
CAMBRIDGE, Md. – As the weather starts getting colder, the Dorchester County Health Department is looking to make a difference by providing shelter
to the unhoused.
In coordination with the Healthy Families Department, the Salvation Army, and Delmarva Community Services. These groups worked together to start the Dorchester Cold Weather Committee. Roger Harrell, the health officer for DCHD, knows when the weather gets colder, life for the unhoused becomes more stressful.
“It’s important for them to have a place to lay their head. Health in general, it’s important they have a meal and warmth. If you don’t have that, your health is in jeopardy.”
The shelter is expected to open up on December 1st. DCS Rep, Jack Saum can’t thank the Salvation Army enough. “Very fortunately, when looking for an umbrella organization, the Salvation Army has offered the Dorchester cold weather shelter committee the use of this facility.”
Due to the great size of the facility, there will be several living quarters. The space will be able to accommodate men, women, and families. Major David Lorenzo is happy to help. “We’re so happy that we’re able to provide cold weather shelter beginning now tomorrow.”
The President of DCS, Andy Hollis knows this will not solve the homelessness issue. “The initial effort is for the cold weather shelter that will run through March 31st. There is a much bigger conversation about homelessness around Cambridge and Dorchester County, that still needs to be had.”
However, Hollis believes this is a step in the right direction. “This is an immediate cold weather issue, we’re providing shelter itself, and they are covering the utilities. We have community members coming in and actually cooking all of the meals. Dinner and breakfast for all of the residents of the shelter.”
The cold weather shelter will start tomorrow and continue through March 31st, 2025. Officials say the shelter first come, first serve.
You can visit the shelter at 200 Washington Street in Cambridge Maryland.
For more information, you can call directly at 443-477- 2219
