While we had some reprieve this month from the harsh winter weather, the recent snowstorm reminded us how grateful we are for supporters like you. You not only keep our guests sheltered from dangerous weather, but you give them a home, help, and hope. Thank you for your continued partnership in the fight against homelessness in our community. Our shelters may be full – a sign that our services are still very much in demand – but our hearts are also overflowing as we witness the love you show our guests, and your determination to help them rebuild their lives!
Scroll down to see what YOU made possible this month!
Letter from the Executive Director
In her February letter, Julie talks about a guest who has been using his talent to brighten our shelter homes one room at a time, and how our Lip Sync Battle inspires our community to help TIS fight homelessness with brightness and joy!
Several guests have taken great steps toward Success this month, thanks to you! Two single women and one family are making the big move from our shelters into TIS transitional apartments. They will continue to work with a Case Manager as they gradually build up to being fully independent. We are so proud of their hard work in the S4 Program (Shelter, Stability Support, Success)!
Easton’s Promise has been a flurry of activity this month, with three new families being welcomed into their new temporary home. Last month, we also welcomed a newborn baby into the house. Because of your support, this family has a safe place to live, and an opportunity to give our newest little one a great start in life!
Several guests experienced career success in February. Autumn is now employed as a school librarian, Colby is working as a dishwasher, and Tamara is helping people with their tax preparation.
Congratulations are also in order for Phil, who completed his welding certification class, which was made possible through a collaboration between the BAAM Center and Chesapeake College. Our Parenting Workshop with the Talbot County Department of Social Services continues, and several guests completed the Untangling Relationships class this week.
YOU make all of this happen! We are humbled and honored by your support!
We can’t let a month go by without sending big love to our incredible Team TIS volunteers! From housesitting and preparing delicious dinners for our guests to helping with donations and so much more, you are the backbone of Talbot Interfaith Shelter, and we cannot fulfill our mission without your generosity of time, talent, and giving spirit!
Advocating With Legislators
Case Manager DeWayne Camper attended a rally on Lawyer’s Mall in Annapolis, organized by Shore Legal, Build, and the Maryland Clean Slate Coalition. The rally encouraged lawmakers to pass two bills: The Clean Slate Act concentrates on giving individuals a fresh start in society after they have served jail time or met other sentencing requirements. The Fair Chance Act would give those reentering society a fair chance when applying for and obtaining housing.
Another Bingo Blast
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our February Bingo Night at the Easton Fire House, organized by our Director of Operations, Sadé Howard! It was wonderful to see old friends and new enjoying an evening out together. Congratulations to all of our winners!
Decorative Egg Auction at the Market at Dover Station
This spring, The Market at Dover Station is hosting a unique and creative fundraiser benefiting Talbot Interfaith Shelter.
Select artists from The Market have volunteered to decorate, paint, and design genuine ostrich eggs, each transformed into a one-of-a-kind work of art. These extraordinary pieces will be featured in a silent auction beginning March 4.
Bids must be placed in person at The Market at Dover Station, with winners announced on social media April 2 — just in time for Easter weekend.
Support TIS while investing in a distinctive treasure that will double as a stunning Easter centerpiece. No two are alike, and each egg reflects the character and artistry of its creator — from intricate coquillage to expressive oil paint.
We hope you will stop by to support local artists as they make a meaningful contribution to the fight against homelessness in our community!
Lip Sync Kick Off
On February 19th, our Lip Sync Battle organizers and many of this year’s teams got together at our Vine Street offices to officially kick off Lip Sync Season! Everyone enjoyed pizza, mixed and mingled, and discussed this year’s event and our ambitious $150,000 fundraising goal. They capped off the evening with a few rounds of Lip Sync Roulette!
Click here for more information about this year’s Lip Sync Battle.
Sheila Buckmaster is back with another installment in her “Meet Team TIS” series! This month, she sat down with Niki, a mom in our transitional apartments!
Click the button below to read about how Niki’s hard work and determination, coupled with your support, have set her on the path to Success!
Supporting TIS Can Have Positive Tax Benefits!
In addition to the knowledge that you are helping to change – and in some cases save – lives, donating in support of our mission can also provide tax benefits. TIS has been awarded $25,000 in Maryland Community Investment Tax Credits this year. If you are planning to join or sustain your membership in our Sedlack Society with a gift of $1,000 or more, you may qualify for these credits towards your state taxes (first come, first served). For more information, contact our Director of Development and Marketing, Laura Richeson, at lauraricheson@talbotinterfaithshelter.org.
Several changes to the Federal Tax Code have also gone into effect this year, including:
A universal deduction for non-itemizers: Up to $1,000 for single filers and $2,000 for joint filers for cash donations. This does not include non-cash gifts or donations from donor advised funds.
An itemized deduction floor: For those who itemize, the portion of your charitable donations that exceeds 0.5% of your adjusted gross income is deductible.
Extension of Qualified Charitable Distributions: Taxpayers aged 70 1/2 or older can continue to make charitable distributions from retirement accounts to satisfy Required Minimum Distributions without including these distributions in taxable income. This is not affected by the 0.5% AGI floor.
Reach out to your accountant and/or financial advisor to devise a 2026 giving strategy that works best for you!
The 2026 Lip Sync Battle is well underway, and we are already approximately 30% of the way to our $150,000 fundraising goal! Voting is open, and tickets are available for our live show on Saturday, April 18th at the Talbot County Community Center. As usual, our tables are going fast, so if you want to secure your “seat at the table” for the most joyous night of the year, make sure to do so soon!
Remember, YOU help choose our winners by voting with your dollars. You can do this by making a donation or purchasing tickets or Team TIS merch from the event store. Our event sponsors also have the opportunity to direct their sponsorship dollars towards the team(s) of their choice along with taking advantage of incredible advertising benefits at every level.
For more information about sponsorships, contact Laura Richeson at lauraricheson@talbotinterfaithshelter.org. To meet our teams, buy tickets and merch, and vote, click the button below!
Select artists from The Market have volunteered to decorate, paint, and design genuine ostrich eggs, each transformed into a one-of-a-kind work of art. These extraordinary pieces will be featured in a silent auction beginning March 4.
8168 Elliott Road
Easton, MD 21601 United States
Roberto's Pizza is donating a portion of their proceeds when you enjoy lunch at their restaurant on March 4th! The money will go towards the fundraising total of one of our Lip Sync Battle teams (to be announced), and will support our mission!
355 Glebe Road
Easton, MD 21601 United States
Support the Cash Queens from Shore United Bank in their bid to win our 2026 Lip Sync Battle Fundraiser! Enjoy pit beef and pit turkey for lunch on Friday, March 6th at the VFW in Easton.
28601 Marlboro Avenue
Easton, MD 21601 United States
Playa Bowls is donating a portion of their proceeds when you stop by on March 10th from 2 to 8 pm! The money will go towards the fundraising total of one of our Lip Sync Battle teams (to be announced), and will support our mission. Come on out, eat up, and show your support for our lip syncers!
220-A Marlboro Ave
Easton, MD 21601 United States
Tropical Smoothie Cafe is donating a portion of their proceeds when you stop by on March 17th from 3 to 6 pm! The money will go towards the fundraising total of one of our Lip Sync Battle teams (to be announced), and will support our mission!
101 E Dover Street
Easton, MD 21601 United States
Hunter's Tavern is donating 10% of their proceeds from food and beverage when you dine with them on April 9th! The money will go towards Team TIS' fundraising total for our Lip Sync Battle fundraiser, and will support our mission!
206 S. Talbot St
St. Michaels, MD 21663 United States
Visit us at the TIS booth while you're shopping!
10028 Ocean Gateway
Easton, MD 21601 United States
Tickets for this incredible night of joy will go on sale in mid-February! In the meantime, if you would like to compete in our Live Show or Video Competition, CLICK HERE to sign up before January 31st!
There are so many ways to partner with Talbot Interfaith Shelter to fight homelessness on the Mid-Shore. With your help, we provide Shelter, Stability, Support, and a path to Success for our neighbors in need. Scroll down to explore opportunities to help and choose those that speak to your heart. No matter how you participate, we are so grateful to have you on Team TIS!
We are incredibly fortunate to operate in a community that supports us in so many ways. Our local business community is no exception. Many amazing business partners help us to fulfill our mission. There are partnerships at various financial levels, each with benefits that help our partners maximize their advertising dollars while changing the lives of families and individuals in our community.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a business partner, or need information about how to return your application, contact Laura Richeson at lauraricheson@talbotinterfaithshelter.org or 443-786-6962 or simply fill out the form below.
Our Business Partners
Keys to Success Partners
Raise the Roof Partners
Home Builder Partners
Open Doors Partners
Foundation Partners
Eastern Shore Title Co.
Blue Heron Coffee
Scossa Restaurant
Blue Heron Catering
Sentry Management