Beyond Shelter Frederick

11/02/2026

45 Years. A Community Comes Together.

In 1981, Frederick County Social Services Director Steve Mood recognized a growing need among people in our community and reached out to local congregations for help.

Multiple congregations came together with a shared commitment to help their neighbors, forming The Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs. What began as Frederick County's first food bank soon grew to meet other pressing needs, expanding to provide energy and medical assistance.

As the needs of the community continued to grow, so did the organization. In 1991, the Coalition opened Frederick County's first cold weather shelter, taking another important step in helping neighbors facing difficult circumstances.

And that was just the beginning.

Over the past 45 years, the organization has continued to evolve, expanding its services and finding new ways to help individuals and families navigate challenging times and work toward stability.
The name has changed. The organization has grown. But the heart of the work hasn't changed.

Today, as Beyond Shelter Frederick, we're still here, still doing that work, and still counting on the power of community to make it possible.
And that's what this November is all about.

As we celebrate 45 years, we're taking time to recognize some of the people, businesses, congregations, organizations, and partners who have helped shape our story and continue to stand behind our mission.
Because behind every open door, there's a community of people who helped make it possible.

45 years of community. 45 years of showing up. Been Here. Still Here. For the Future of Frederick County.

11/01/2026

45 Years. So Many People Behind Every Open Door.

Since 1981, Beyond Shelter has been part of the Frederick County community — working to prevent and alleviate the effects of poverty and helping people find a path toward stability.

And behind that work? People.

The donors who contribute the everyday essentials. The volunteers who give their time. The businesses and sponsors who step up. The Board Members who help guide our future. The community partners who continue to find ways to work alongside us.

As we celebrate 45 years of Beyond Shelter, we want to recognize the people who have helped make this mission possible - those who have been part of our story for years and those who have joined us along the way.

Throughout November, we're opening the door to some of those stories with Behind Every Open Door, a month-long celebration of the people, partnerships and generosity behind our work.

Because 45 years isn't just about how long we've been here. It's about the people who have helped us get here - and the community that will help shape what's next.

Been Here. Still Here. For What's Next.

10/29/2026

Building stronger communities starts with connection.

Today, Beyond Shelter Frederick joined the Frederick County Health Department for a Meet & Greet bringing together organizations dedicated to supporting community members who face barriers to care and essential services.

Our Director of Operations, Catherine Dorsey, shared an overview of BSF’s programs and services, highlighting how we work to prevent and alleviate the effects of poverty throughout Frederick County.

Opportunities like these help build understanding, strengthen relationships, and create connections that make it easier to reach people who need support.

We’re grateful to Danielle Haskin and the Frederick County Health Department for creating space for these conversations and for the organizations working every day to make our community stronger.

Together, we can continue building pathways to stability and hope.

10/28/2026

STOCK THE SHELTERS FOR WINTER - WEEK 2

As the temperatures drop, the everyday essentials are still needed!

This week, we're putting the spotlight on personal hygiene products — the everyday basics that help individuals and families maintain their health, comfort, and dignity.

Things like shampoo, body wash, deodorant, and toothpaste might seem small, but they make a real difference for our neighbors experiencing homelessness. And keeping these essentials stocked is something our community can help with!

THIS WEEK'S PRIORITY: PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS

Have a few extras to donate? Want to organize a collection at your workplace, congregation, or among friends? We'd love to have you join us!

We're also collecting bottled water and liquid hand soap as part of our ongoing winter campaign.

Drop Off In Person: Beyond Shelter Frederick, 27 DeGrange Street, Frederick, MD, during regular business hours.

Shop Online: Send essentials our way through our Amazon Wishlist.
https://bit.ly/4xUsDBA

Questions or interested in organizing a drive? Contact Colleen Baldree at 301-631-2670 ext. 103.

One bottle of shampoo. One tube of toothpaste. One small act of kindness. It all adds up!

Stay tuned for next week's featured needs as we continue Stock the Shelters for Winter!

10/28/2026

Thank you, Advocates for Homeless Families, Frederick, MD, for highlighting this exciting opportunity to bring our organizations together and shine a light on the important work happening throughout Frederick County.

It was an honor for our Executive Director, Nick Brown, to meet Maryland Governor Wes Moore and connect with fellow organizations working to strengthen housing stability and support individuals and families in our community.

Together, we’re working toward a Frederick County where everyone has the opportunity to find stability and build a brighter future.

10/23/2026

A Gift That Keeps Giving

Sometimes, the most meaningful gifts aren't things at all, but the time and talents people choose to share.

Our beloved longtime volunteer, Ms. Carol Wright is a wonderful example. Carol has shared her love of sewing with families at our Emergency Family Shelter, teaching clients how to sew—including making pillowcases, a project they absolutely loved.

Recently, we were contacted by Chris W., who was looking for a new home for his mother’s treasured Viking sewing machine. She had recently moved into assisted living and was no longer able to use it. Chris wanted the machine to go somewhere it could continue to be useful, and Carol was the perfect fit.

Carol’s gratitude for the gift was so heartfelt that Chris returned with his mother so she could meet Carol and learn more about Beyond Shelter. His mother had spent many years volunteering with St. Vincent de Paul and other organizations serving people experiencing homelessness, making the meeting a special connection between two women who share a passion for helping others.

A treasured sewing machine found a new purpose and, in the process, connected two volunteers committed to giving back.

It’s a small story that beautifully reflects the spirit of Beyond Shelter: people sharing what they have, what they know, and what they can give to help their neighbors.

10/21/2026

STOCK THE SHELTERS FOR WINTER!

As the heat heads out and the cold moves in, one thing stays the same: our day-to-day needs never change.

At Beyond Shelter Frederick, everyday essentials help us care for individuals and families experiencing homelessness throughout the year. As we head into the colder months, we're kicking off our Stock the Shelters for Winter campaign and inviting our entire community to get involved!

Whether you're an individual looking to give back, a business rallying your team, a congregation organizing a collection, or a community group ready to make a difference, there's a place for you in this effort.

This Week's Needs:

- Personal hygiene products

- Bottled water

- Liquid hand soap

We'll be sharing updated needs each week, so stay tuned to see how you can help keep our shelves stocked throughout the winter!

Drop Off In Person: Bring your donations to our main office during regular business hours at 27 Degrange Street, Frederick, MD.

Prefer to shop online? Visit our Amazon Wishlist to send needed items our way! https://bit.ly/4xUsDBA

Questions or interested in organizing a collection drive? Contact Colleen Baldree at 301-631-2670 ext. 103.

Let's come together, stock the shelves, and help keep our shelters ready for the season ahead!

Our Shelters Need Your Support. Small Donations. Big Impact.

10/12/2026

Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors the history, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples and recognizes their enduring presence and heritage.

Our office will be closed Monday, October 12, in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day and will reopen Tuesday, October 13.

While our offices are closed, our staff is still here for you. If you need assistance, please call 240-315-6303.

10/09/2026

Frederick, our community needs you!

The City of Frederick’s Housing & Human Services team is looking for volunteers to help serve hot meals through its Community Table, providing food to nearly 100 people each night. ❤️

At Beyond Shelter, our clients rely on Community Table for a daily meal, and we’re grateful for this important resource in our community!

Have a little time to give? Your helping hands can make a real difference for our neighbors in need.

Interested in volunteering? Sign up here: https://frederickmd.gov/volunteering

Please share and help spread the word!

We need volunteers!!

For more information about volunteering or to sign up visit:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FAFAB28A2FCC34-60771036-december #/

Thank you so much for your willingness to support our community!