Dear Friends of TIS,
I hope everyone enjoyed a lovely Thanksgiving celebration! This time of year can feel bittersweet. We find ourselves remembering friends and family we have lost, and grieving abilities or seasons of life that have passed. As we celebrate with loved ones during the holidays, it’s important to keep in our hearts those who have lost so much—their safety nets, their homes, and often their sense of dignity. Those of you reading this letter have “skin in the game,” so to speak, and we are deeply grateful for you.
I’d like to offer a big shout-out to the businesses that partnered with Talbot Interfaith Shelter throughout Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month, and to the community members who showed up with such generosity. To everyone who dined, donated, or contributed through our strategically placed drop-off locations—we celebrate you! Thanks to you, it has been an incredibly full, productive, and heartwarming month.
As we slide into December, our “elves” are joyfully at work, connecting our families and singles with caring community members who love making Christmas bright for those in need. If you would like to “adopt” a family or an individual this holiday season, we still have a few opportunities available. Please reach out to Sade` at 410-253-5414 to learn whose wish list still has room. And if you’ve already signed up to provide gifts—thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
My gratitude overflows for everyone who helps TIS transform lives—our staff, our volunteers, our donors, and everyone who shares our story in the community. Our area is blessed with a core of deeply caring individuals, and we are honored that you pour your heart and soul into embracing the people we serve.
Speaking of those people, we have seen a serious uptick in families and individuals applying for shelter. Our waiting list has over 140 of our Mid-Shore neighbors on it. All of the shelters in the 5 Mid-Shore counties are at capacity and carry their own waitlists. It is difficult for any of our ‘sister’ shelters to take in the large families of 6 or more who need shelter, and we are at a loss on how to help those families.
The only way TIS can respond to this need is to expand even further, and to do that we need everyone’s help. From monthly giving to robust year-end giving and everything in between, Talbot Interfaith Shelter can not serve these folks without YOUR help. My hope is that everyone who reads this letter will dig a little deeper to help those in untenable situations. And my prayer is that you will feel so blessed by saving individuals and families from living on the streets, in their car, a boat or a shed without plumbing, that you will spread the word to your friends so they can join in the joy. It is only by advocacy and by bringing others “into the fold” that we can begin to meet the growing need.
As we move through this magical season, I hope the busyness doesn’t overwhelm you. When I begin to feel the weight of it all, I pause and imagine what it is like to walk in the shoes of someone without the support system and comforts I often take for granted. That simple moment of reflection grounds me in gratitude and reminds me that when we lift one another up, we also find resources and renewal within ourselves. I truly believe that the purpose of every human being in our shared World Home is to help one another navigate life’s challenges and disappointments. When we share love, we experience love.
Wishing you peace, joy, and countless blessings this holiday season.
Julie Lowe