A number of churches in the Havre de Grace area have been working on a solution to the growing homeless situation. Harford Family House of Aberdeen is partnering with them to provide the case management and resource access while the churches rent and maintain the housing. Joyce Duffy, Executive Director of Harford Family House says, “On our end we are ready to go and waiting for the go ahead. We will operate according to our mission statement along with our plan and process which has proven to be very successful.”

This is an excellent example of how the Church can work in harmony with faith-based agencies to accomplish what neither could do individually. Shelter of Mercy Inc., as the project is called, is a Christian based ministry that provides transitional housing to families with children in the Greater Havre de Grace Community. Shelter of Mercy is supported by The Susquehanna Ministerium, local Churches, businesses and caring individuals. Their mission is to demonstrate the love of Jesus by providing housing to families and by mentoring and teaching basic life skills as taught in the Bible.

Pastor Ron Smith from First Baptist Church, who has been coordinating these efforts, says, “There's no way I wouldn't pursue this again. It is great to know of a possible solution to this problem. As a matter of fact, I've been meeting with another group that wants to address where the transitional housing ministry stops off - a "wet ministry" to the addicts and alcoholics by providing a place to come in out of the weather and rest, get refreshments, etc. A small group right now but contributions and ideas have already begun flowing in that direction too.”

What are still needed are one-year commitments from churches, civic groups, businesses and individuals to support the monthly house rental along with furniture, appliances, and such to make a house a home.

If you are interested in helping make this ministry work, Pastor Smith can be reached in his office at:

First Baptist Church
410-939-5233 or at
rsmith5858@hotmail.com.

Contributions can be made out to "The Susquehanna Ministerium" (a 501c3 organization), designated for "transitional housing" on the memo line.