History

Annapolis Area Ministries, Inc. (AAMI) was formed in 1989 after the Christian Workers Soup Kitchen on West Street was destroyed in a fire. This resulted in a shortage of support services for the homeless population in Annapolis. To create an immediate respite, six cots were set up in the lobby of St. Anne's Parish House on Duke of Gloucester Street. Weeks later AAMI became incorporated with a membership of six area congregations. In 1991, our first building at 206 West Street was acquired and the Light House program was established. In October 2010, we moved into our current building at 10 Hudson Street. Today AAMI's board contains representatives from 15 area member congregations along with six community leaders.

Throughout its 20-year history, AAMI has expanded its programs and services beyond that of the Light House emergency shelter. In 1995 the Anchor House transitional housing program was established. As availability arises, families with minor children who have been successful in the Light House program transition to one of our two offsite apartments or single-family home. Here they are able to reside for up to two years and are responsible for paying rent based on their income and a portion of their utilities.

In 2002, the Friends of the Light House Shelter (FLHS) was formed. A separate non-profit, FLHS is a community based organization comprised of volunteers. FLHS host several Annapolis events to help support the operating costs of the Light House and Anchor House programs. Among their annual events are a Golf Tournament, Ride for Shelter, Pumpkin Patch, Bountiful Harvest and Gumbofest.

AAMI's first permanent housing option became available in 2008. Willow House provideshousing for four women. The residents receive guidance and supervision from a live-in resident manager. The goal is for residents to learn the skills necessary to become self-sufficient and to resolve issues that have caused their homelessness, such as obtaining education and employment.

The largest undertaking in the history of the organization was the construction of the new three-story shelter that straddles the City of Annapolis /Anne Arundel County line at 10 Hudson Street. The building is 24,000 square feet, and has beds for 45 individuals plus apartments for five families (up to 20 children) and space dedicated to expanded programming. During the severe weather months, the Light House provides emergency beds to 29 homeless individuals. In addition to the hot breakfasts and dinners served daily to the residents, the Pantry program distributes 400 bags of groceries per month to families in need and 200 bag lunches daily to those in need.

Located on a bus line and near shopping and businesses, the new shelter is close to the intersection of West Street and Route 2, which makes it convenient for its residents. The new building includes many energy-efficient features, geothermal heat, and a reflective roof which helps keep operating costs down. The
1.4-acre property hosts a safe playground and several garden areas including a vegetable garden to grow food and a healing / meditation garden.

The Light House strives to be a national model for how a community cares for its homeless, aiming to break the cycle of homelessness by providing a place of belonging, life changing programs and a broad continuum of support to people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. AAMI is extremely grateful for, and relies on, the support of hundreds of volunteers and community members to support the services that we provide to our homeless neighbors.