The Light House Shelter

        In 1988, Annapolis Area Ministries, Inc., established the Light House shelter as its pioneer project. Today, we offer sanctuary and aid to over 12,000 men, women and children at our facility, in our transitional housing program, and through our health and human welfare services. The Light House is the only emergency shelter in the city of Annapolis and the only one in Anne Arundel County that provides for single adult men and women.

        The Light House offers emergency beds for homeless men and women in a dormitory setting. Two apartments on the premises are dedicated to families with children. The Light House serves meals to our guests and is equipped with shower and laundry facilities. All services and programs are available at no cost. Individual case management is provided to our guests so that they may become self-sufficient. Among the other services offered are information about job openings, job interview coaching, housing location, financial counseling, and if needed, referrals to drug and alcohol treatment programs. Wherever possible, our staff uses currently available community programs and services. Annapolis Area Ministries, Inc., distributes emergency financial assistance to families and individuals in the community who face eviction or discontinuation of their heating and utility services. Financial aid is also given for other documented emergencies.

LIGHT HOUSE SERVICES

Bag Lunch Program

Eligibility Requirements:
--during the school year, lunches are not provided to children
--during the summer, children must be accompanied by an adult to receive a lunch
Number given: One per person or Two per family       
Time: 11am - 1pm/Monday - Friday (Lunches are not available on the weekends)
Donating bag lunches:
--please call Light House to schedule a date
--make 20-30 lunches (any amount is appreciated)
--bag lunch typically consists of:  sandwich: peanut butter & jelly or tuna, sweet: candy or cookies, snack bag: chips or     pretzels, fruit: apple or orange, drink is optional                    

Health Kit Program

Eligibility Requirements: None
Number given: One per adult
Time: 11am - 1pm/Monday - Friday (Health Kits are not available on the weekends)
Donating health kits:
--please call the Light House to see if there is a need
--health kits typically consists of (travel or regular size): toothbrush, toothpaste, bar of soap, deodorant, washcloth, no     mouthwash please

Pantry Assistance (food & baby items only)

Eligibility Requirements:
--a picture id
--two pieces of recent mail (less than two months old)
--an individual is eligible to receive assistance once every 30 days
Number Given: one food bag per family/6-8 diapers
Time: 9am-3pm/Monday - Friday only   
Donating pantry food: Nonperishable food items are always welcome. AAMI’s website lists food items which are needed the most.

Financial Assistance (Eviction prevention, utility turn-off prevention)

Eligibility Requirements:
--a picture id
--two pieces of recent mail (less than two months old)
--an individual is eligible to receive assistance once every six months
--must bring gas and electric turn-off notice or eviction notice, summons to court, or warrant of restitution
Assistance Provided: We offer assistance towards eviction and gas/electric turn-off prevention. We do not assist with security deposits, oil, water, cable, or telephone bills. Utilities must be on to qualify for assistance. We cannot assist with the Housing Authority's Notice of Termination because this must be handled through the court system.
On the day assistance is offered:
--doors open at 9 a.m. (usually run out of funds within two hours)
--please do not stand in front of the building until 8:55 a.m.
2002 Dates for Financial Assistance: Jan. 7 & 28, Feb. 4 & 25, March 4 & 18, April 1 & 15, May 6 & 20, June 3 & 17, July 1 & 15, Aug. 5 & 19, Sept. 9 & 23, Oct. 7 & 21, Nov. 4 & 18, Dec. 2 & 16

Emergency Shelter

Eligibility Requirements:
--Must be drug and alcohol free for 24 hours
--Cannot be on the Light House Shelter prohibited or ineligible list
--Must have all psychotropic and seizure medications in-hand at time of intake
--Must be fit for a group living situation
Shelter Limitations: Shelter beds are in great demand and the Light House Shelter is operating at capacity. Please call to see if a bed is available. Those in need of shelter are encouraged to place their name on our waiting list and check-in periodically to see if a bed has become available. Shelter intake is between 5-7 p.m. The Shelter does not have ambulatory beds and cannot assist homeless persons who require nursing care, or a place to stay during rehabilitation.

What does it take to get from Homelessness to Independence?

     There are many obstacles which the homeless must overcome to find permanent affordable housing. The illustration below shows the progression of a homeless person from emergency shelter to independence.