Programs and Expectations

Homelessness comes at a severe cost to individuals, families, and to our community. Serious health care and societal issues are both a cause and a result of homelessness.

The State of Maryland spends millions of dollars annually to manage the consequences of homelessness. The cost to Anne Arundel County for an average hospital stay for a Marylander without insurance is $8400; one night in a public mental health facility is $500; one day in jail is $90. These costs result in very little improvement in the life of a homeless person. However, in comparison, a one-night stay at the Light House costs just $67 a person, with the further benefit of support services that can help that person achieve independence.

The recent rise in homelessness is attributed to the growing shortage of affordable housing, rising costs of health care, medical insurance, and poverty. Anne Arundel County is an expensive place to live. To afford median rent in our region, a family must earn $18.10 per hour – far above the average minimum wage of $7.25 that many workers are paid.

We serve both individuals and families year-round, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Of those participating in the Light House program, 81% leave empowered with a place to live, an income, and the ability to lead self-sufficient lives.

• Case Management and Client Services Plans – With case managers as advocates, clients evaluate the root causes of their circumstances and service plans are created with achievable goals that work towards sustainable employment and housing.
• Emergency Shelter – Food and shelter provided with programmatic support for up to 90 days.
• Anchor House – Transitional housing that offers two apartments and one single-family house to families.
• Willow House – A programmatic housing project that provides permanent, supportive housing to five women.
• Annapolis Winter Shelter– Provides food and emergency shelter on a nightly basis during severe weather to homeless individuals.
• Homeless Prevention – Support offered to assist those in need. For example, eviction prevention services, such as financial assistance with utility bills, rent transportation or to purchase emergency medicine.
• Food Program – Distribution of free hot lunches, bag lunches, and groceries for community members in need.
• Building Employment Success Training Program: (B.E.S.T.)– Job skills training and paid internships in the areas of housekeeping, maintenance, office skills, landscaping, retail sales and kitchen services including a new culinary arts training program. Developing employer partnerships is key to the success of this program and we are focused on providing job opportunities.
• Employment Resource Center – Career counseling, assistance with resume writing, interviewing skills, G.E.D. preparation and access to computer/electronic resources provided by professionals and volunteers.
• Career Closet – Provides Light House residents with clothing appropriate for job search and employment. The Barber Shop is also part of the dress for success approach with volunteer barbers helping clients look workplace ready.
• Escrow Savings – Clients are required to save 80% of their paychecks for future needs.

Pantry Program

The Light House kitchen and food pantry program is an integral part of our core program. Through the donations of food and volunteer labor, our Food Pantry Program distributes thousands of bags of groceries to families who sometimes must choose between going hungry or paying rent or medical bills. In addition, we provide tens of thousands of bag lunches, hot breakfasts, lunches and dinners to residents and the community throughout the year.

• Support Programs
  • Life Skills
  • Mental Health Services
  • Addiction Services and Recovery Support Groups:
    • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
    • Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
  • Domestic Violence Programs
  • Anger Management
  • Parenting
  • Legal Clinic
  • Financial Literacy Classes and Counseling
  • Employer Partnerships
  • Health and Wellness (in partnership with Anne Arundel Medical Center)
  • Children's Fund – Providing resources for homeless children: clothing, tutoring, after-school programs, school supplies, field trips, and summer camps.