Help for Today and Hope for Tomorrow
Choptank Trust gives back to the community
By McKayla Kiernan, Communications Specialist
In January, the Choptank Trust received a grant application from Diakonia Inc., a Worcester County nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The application sought funding to purchase heavy duty, twin-sized waterproof mattresses equipped with bedbug infiltration prevention technology. The Choptank Trust proudly contributed $5,000, enabling Diakonia to purchase around 24 mattresses.
Incorporated in 1987, Diakonia Inc. is dedicated to helping reinforce and rebuild critical foundations for those at risk of (or have already become) homeless. Over the past year, Diakonia has helped and sheltered around 275 people.
The facility includes 20 male beds, 20 female beds and 15 family beds. Diakonia also works closely with the Department of Veterans Affairs to offer rehabilitation services to veterans in need. On average, the facility holds 50 to 60 people who are at risk or have already become homeless.
The average length of stay for a resident in Diakonia is about 90 days. “The discharge plan begins on day one,” says Diakonia Inc. Executive Director Ken Argot. Diakonia provides people in need with housing applications, employment opportunities, mental health appointments and substance abuse treatment to assist people with getting back on their feet. Diakonia will provide housing assistance that includes security deposits, application fees and finding landlords willing to forgo background checks. As a result, 65% of people who come through Diakonia find housing in the community. “Our staff are heroes,” says Argot. “They ensure everyone is individualized, making plans for every person’s unique situation and giving them the encouragement they need to move on.”
Diakonia is preparing to build “the 611 project,” which will consist of an administrative/veterans center, food pantry, thrift store and 42 affordable rental units. These new units will offer transitional housing options for residents preparing to reenter independent living. “We are always looking for solutions where the gaps are,” adds Argot.
“I cannot say thank you enough for what they’ve done for the community, what they continue to do and how they are growing,” says Jackie Brown, Worcester County Trust Board member, regarding Diakonia.
To learn more about Diakonia or to support its mission, please visit https://diakoniaoc.org/.