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CARES is a combination Food Pantry and Emergency Financial Assistance center. It was started in 1993 by a group of extremely dedicated volunteers primarily from churches in the Govans area (map). Their vision was a centralized place where area churches could send persons in need and know they would be served more effectively and efficiently.
CARES serves individuals and families whose access to the basics of housing, adequate food and financial resources is extremely tenuous. But beyond simply providing emergency assistance, CARES' goal is to help families escape the cycle of crises and move toward self-sufficiency.
CARES achieves this objective by pooling the food and financial resources donated by not only the 47 GEDCO Member Organizations but with the assistance of numerous other interested individuals, schools, corporations, government agencies and community groups. This approach allows CARES to respond in a timely and coordinated fashion to people in need of immediate assistance.
CARES takes pride in being a true volunteer operation. All client-related activities are handled by the dedicated group of over 100 volunteers who do everything from stock the shelves to pack the grocery bags to counsel clients on how to handle a utility cut-off notice. Please visit the Volunteering with GEDCO section to learn about how you can become a part of the CARES volunteer team.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Clients must live within the service area and bring the proper forms to recieve assistance. You will need
- A recent bill with your address. service area
- A state-issued photo ID
- Social Security cards for each person in your household.
Depending on what assistance you are seeking, you will also need to bring
- District Court Eviction Notice
- Prescription signed by a physician
- BGE pink Turn-Off Notice
LOCATION
See a map of our service area at Google Maps.
CARES is located at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, in the rear of its rectory building. The street address for the church is 5502 York Road, just south of the Bellona/York Road interchange. The CARES telephone number is 410-532-2273.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Food Pantry & Emergency Financial Assistance
Monday: 9:00 – 11:00 am
Thursday: 9:00 – 11:00 am
Food Pantry Only
Saturday: 10:00 – Noon
Food Pantry Restocking - No Food Distribution
Wednesday: 9:30 – 10:30 am
(Food Deliveries are accepted at this time.)
FOOD-RAISING OPPORTUNITIES FOR CARES
CARES is always willing to welcome additional new sources of food for the pantry. We encourage individuals and groups to conduct food drives that help supply much needed items. Sign up as a volunteer to learn more.
CARDS FOR CARES PROGRAM
CARDS for CARES are unique handmade cards and preprinted card sets using handmade designs. Visit the shop for more information.
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