ABOUT LEOLA DORSEY

According to the Howard County Point-in-Time Count, there are approximately 200 men, women and children who experience homelessness on any giving night of the year in 2019. Thats a 20% increase from 2018. As a result of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disproportionately affected low-income households, we know that even more people are homeless or at risk of homelessness now more than ever.

The Leola Dorsey Community Resource Center was first developed by VOACC and Volunteers of America National Services in 2018 as a comprehensive response to homelessness among vulnerable populations in Howard County. Located at 10390 Guilford Road in Jessup, the facility provides 35 units of permanent supportive housing for formerly chronically homeless men and women. Through our on-site Resident Services and community partnerships, our staff also provide the support that help residents make positive life changes and achieve long-term independence. In 2020, we housed 40 men and women.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

The community room at Leola Dorsey is a space where residents currently enjoy limited recreational activities. The pandemic and social distancing requirements opened our eyes wide to the need to develop the community room into a space where residents can experience physical and mental welllness.

We are in need of $6,000 from the community to make that transformation a reality. Thanks to a $3,000 matching donation from one of our Board Members, your donation will have 2x the impact!

Funding would be used to purchase and install the following:

* Paint & brushes to create a soothing wall color

* Sofa & 2 comfortable chairs for relaxation

* Coffee table & end tables

* 50-inch flat screen tv & wall mount

* DVD player for game nights

* House plants to promote mental wellbeing

* Wall artwork to create a welcoming environment

* Fiction & nonfiction books for existing bookcase

* Treadmill for exercise

* Rug & trash can

Help make an impact this Holiday season in the lives of the residents we serve at Leola Dorsey by donating to the redevelopment of the community room today!

To learn more about Leola Dorsey and hear from one of residents we serve what Leola Dorsey means to them, enjoy the following virtual tour.

You can also download our case for support document by clicking here.

For questions about Leola Dorsey, contact us at contactus@voaches.org.