Interfaith Works

Who we are

Interfaith Works (IW) helps people in crisis lift themselves out of poverty and homelessness through programs that prevent, stabilize and empower. Interfaith Works was founded in 1972 by a diverse group of faith communities united in their commitment to respond to the needs of our neighbors. That commitment continues today, with the support of a coalition of more than 165 affiliated congregations of diverse faiths and the support of the broader Montgomery County community. Our mission is to pursue social justice with an emphasis on identifying and meeting the needs of the poor by leading and engaging Montgomery County’s faith communities in service, education, and advocacy.

What we do

Interfaith Works’ 14 integrated programs help people in crisis lift themselves out of poverty, serving more than 16,000 men, women and children annually. Interfaith Works provides services across the housing continuum of care in Montgomery County to touch all aspects of people’s lives so they can find safety and security. IW programs provide emergency and transitional shelter and housing; family mentoring; vocational services; access to free clothing and homegoods; counseling to connect with essential resources, such as emergency assistance, child care support, health care and English classes; emergency seasonal shelter; and case management.

Last year, Interfaith Works:

• Housed 755 individuals and 62 children
• Provided $3.6 million worth of clothing and homegoods, including more than 2,500 new backpacks to school children
• Helped 261 un- and underemployed men and women through vocational services and job-readiness classes, resulting in living-wage jobs for 156 people

How people make the difference

Interfaith Works relies heavily on the generosity of the community to make our programs work and grow. There are many volunteer opportunities, including making meals for our shelter residents, holding a coat drive, providing a birthday party for shelter residents, or volunteering to sort and display merchandise at the Interfaith Works Clothing Center, where families in need shop for free. For more information about how to get involved, go to the Interfaith Works volunteer webpage: www.iworksmc.org/volunteer

Success Story

Reuben had started over many times in his life, due to legal, health and addiction challenges. He had experienced homelessness over several decades. When he came to Interfaith Works, he found the resources for a fresh start. He worked with his IW case manager at Carroll House men's shelter to address his housing and other issues. Reuben also connected with the IW Vocational Services Program to try to find work with the help of one-on-one counseling from an IW vocational counselor.

Reuben also took IW's job-readiness course series to prepare for the job hunt. When he didn't find a job right away, he was frustrated. He decided to take the class series again. "I put more into it the second time," he says. “Three weeks later, I had a job.” Now, Reuben is a respected team member at LA Fitness in Wheaton, where he is a janitor. Reuben has found stability. He has moved into an apartment and loves going to work each day. “It's great, man.” He adds, “Thanks to everyone who helped.”

Please visit us!

Web: www.iworksmc.org