For more than thirty years, our co-sponsored ministry Marian House has served homeless women and their children in Baltimore. The organization provides transitional and permanent housing, and support services to those in need.
Staff at Marian House have seen the demand for their services increase and with the opening of Independence Place they will be able to help even more women who might have previously slipped through the cracks.
Independence Place builds on the support already offered by Marian House. The building is made up of 22 apartments for homeless woman and their children. But Marian House executive director Katie Allston said the facility is more than a place for people to live.
“We are going to serve 22 amazing people and families. And it’s going to be more than apartments,” Allston said. It’s going to be a supportive community, there are going to be celebrations in those meetings rooms and in the courtyard. The staff of Marian House are going to be a part of the lives of everyone who lives here and we’re really looking forward to that.”
Marian House was award 21 vouchers from the Maryland Housing Authority to provide affordable housing to formerly homeless women
Donna Colston is one of the women who will be moving into Independence Place next month.
“I just can’t really find the words to express how grateful and excited I am to be a part of the first group of Marian House women to be blessed with the opportunity to have affordable housing in this beautiful building,” Colston said.
After becoming homeless and struggling with an addiction to crack/cocaine for more than 20 years, Colston entered a treatment facility and was recommended to Marian House.
Hear from Donna Colston, a future Independence Place resident.
Baltimore City mayor Catherine Pugh spoke at the ribbon-cutting on Wednesday December 6th and said Marian House is a shining example of the good work being done in the city.
“This is what Baltimore is about, this is truly what Baltimore is about.” Pugh said. “Homelessness is everybody’s problem in this city.”
And Marian House is not stopping when it comes to helping curb homelessness in Baltimore.
“Soon we will be renovating these beautiful buildings next to Independence Place and those will be units for more homeless families in transitional housing,” Allston said.
