Mission and Program

Talbot Interfaith Shelter was born from a partnership between people from different walks of life, all of whom were galvanized around a shared goal: ending homelessness on the Mid-Shore. To this day, many hundreds of volunteers, donors, and supporters come together each year to share in carrying out our mission and guiding the men, women, and children in our program from homelessness to Success.

At Talbot Interfaith Shelter, we recognize that we cannot fulfill our mission without the support of our donors, volunteers, and our incredible Mid-Shore community. Thus, our mission, vision, and principles are not ours alone - we share them with YOU, our partners in the fight against homelessness, and we carry them out together to help our neighbors achieve Success!

Our Shared Mission

We are dedicated to fighting homelessness on Maryland’s Mid-Shore by providing Shelter, Stability, Support, and a path to Success for families and individuals in need.

Our Shared Vision

Our vision is that no one in our community will ever have to spend a night on the streets, in a car or in the woods because he or she cannot find housing. 

Our Shared Principles

We are supported cooperatively by different religious faith groups and community organizations.  Our staff, Board of Directors, volunteers and donors respect the individuality, confidentiality, and privacy of guests, and do not proselytize to guests. Each member of the community is invited to participate in this effort.

We believe that all men, women, and children have an inherent right to adequate housing that is safe and secure. TIS is open to individuals of all races, genders, ethnic backgrounds, nationalities, sexual orientations and religions.
We provide a safe and secure environment that is smoke, alcohol, and drug free.  Guests are accepted on the basis of their ability to meet these standards, and our ability to meet their needs with our resources.

We establish policies and procedures that create an appropriate environment for guests, staff, and volunteers.

We are committed to working cooperatively with other private and public agencies to facilitate guests’ access to appropriate services and help them attain sustainable self-sufficiency.

Watch the Video Below To Learn More About Our Mission!

The S4 Program

The S4 Program (Shelter, Stability, Support, Success) is a comprehensive approach to ending homelessness.  Guests receive shelter, rigorous case management, connection to services, life skills training, and more.  Scroll down to learn about how your support changes lives!

A step-by-step description of TIS' S4 Program

Our Shelter Homes

Homelike Environment

Our houses redefine what a homeless shelter should look like, and where our neighbors deserve to stay while getting on their feet.

Case Management

Each house has a case manager who creates a personalized plan for each guest and connects them with necessary resources.

Fellowship and Family

Guests live together, attend classes together, and share meals together. They form a fellowship, share their challenges and triumphs, and encourage each other.

Life Skills Training

Guests attend classes that help them build lasting self-sufficiency, like money management, job readiness, and more.

Daily "Family Dinners"

Dinner is provided by volunteers or local restaurants every night. Guests eat together, forming familial bonds.

Nia, TIS guest, getting ready to go to work

Safety, Privacy, and Dignity

Our Shelters provide comfort and help our neighbors rebuild their confidence as they work towards independence.

Talbot Interfaith Shelter sign in front of a building

Vine Street Property

Our building on Vine Street houses our Development and Maintenance Departments, an area where transitional housing guests can "shop" for furniture and home goods, and spaces for life skills classes and other activities such as yoga, meditation, and art therapy. We are exploring opportunities on this property that may allow us to expand further to help additional neighbors overcome homelessness.

Case Management

Guests in the S4 Program work with a Case Manager to identify their individual needs and develop a personalized plan for moving forward. Case Managers then provide guidance, connection with service providers, and encouragement as guests work through their plans.  

TIS Case Managers Assist With:

Obtaining lost documentation

Securing employment

Mental Health treatment

Food stamps

Temporary Cash Assistance

Rental and utility Assistance

Child Care Scholarships

SSI disability applications

….and much more!

Life Skills Training

The goal of the S4 Program is to address our guests’ underlying needs and prepare them to successfully live independently once they leave Talbot Interfaith Shelter.  To that end, guests are required to attend Life Skills Training that will help them attain knowledge and tools that will help them once they are back living on their own.  New classes are added as trends emerge with the guests participating in the program.

TIS Life Skills Classes Include

Getting Ahead in a Just Gettin’ By World

Character Counts for Adults

Anger Management

Job Readiness

Parenting

Mental Health 101

Staying Quit

Financial Literacy

Help Our Neighbors. Restore Hope. Change Lives. GIVE TODAY!

Your gift of $120 or $10 per month

may deliver seven weeks of case management for a neighbor in need.

Your gift of $300 or $25 per month

could provide a child with shelter and services for a week.

Your gift of $600 or $50 per month

can subsidize a family in Transitional Housing for up to 6 weeks.

Your gift of $1,000 or more

makes a life-changing impact on the families and individuals we serve.