Every year, RCM&D chooses well-deserving local nonprofit organizations to be the recipients of our year-round fundraising and volunteer initiatives. The result of these endeavors is commemorated during our annual Regatta event, a delightful waterfront festivity hosted at the picturesque Inner Harbor in Baltimore. Mark your calendars for this year’s occasion on Friday, September 20. As we approach this year’s celebration, we will shine a spotlight on our chosen beneficiaries, showcasing the incredible impact they make within our communities daily.
About Helping Up Mission
Helping Up Mission uses a holistic approach to provide hope to people experiencing homelessness and poverty due to substance misuse disorder by meeting their physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs. The organization helps to raise up broken men and women, and Greater Baltimore along with them.
Overnight Guest Services
Approximately one-third of 500 men at HUM come directly from a state of homelessness. Overnight guests at HUM receive a bed for the night, up to three full hot meals, toiletries for showering, clean clothes and an evening chapel message.
The Spiritual Recovery Program (SRP)
The 1-year, flagship SRP integrates the latest scientific understanding of addiction treatment with intense spiritual development. For one full year, men and women who participate live at the Mission in a 12-Step therapeutic community. The program includes four stages:
- Seeds of Hope (Days 1 – 45): Participants receive professional clinical counseling, attend support and accountability meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous, and begin a spiritual 101 through Bible studies, chapel, and discipleship.
- Alpha (Days 46 – 105): Men and women continue their personal growth through professional counseling, spiritual training and work therapy. New areas of development include life skills and the habits of healthy, chemical-free living. At this point, participants can attend church and support groups away from the Mission, have coffee with a sponsor, and communicate more frequently with family members.
- Omega (Days 106 – 195): Program participants delve deeper into Scripture in classes, home groups, Bible studies and churches, with a heavy emphasis placed on relapse prevention. Guests can also pursue a GED and new training and employment through trade schools.
- Life Prep (Days 196 – 365): This stage lays the foundation for a return to society. Guests will continue participating in spiritual development and counseling when they aren’t working. Additionally, non-emergency health issues are addressed and preparation for graduation takes place.
- SRP Graduation: Every Friday at both the Men’s and Women’s Centers, HUM celebrates the men and women who have graduated as well as those who have “phased -up” within the program. Both the HUM Band and choir perform at the graduation services and guests will hear amazing stories on how HUM has saved and transformed their lives.
A participant in the program, Mike, stated “At first, the length of the program scared me, you know?” Mike says. “But I was broken and spiritually bankrupt. And I felt like if I don’t trust God this time, I’m gonna die. Now, I am trusting in God’s will and I’m extremely hopeful.”
Transitional Housing
When a person has struggled with addiction for years, or even decades, sometimes they desire additional time in a safe, structured environment. In the Mission’s transitional housing, recent Spiritual Recovery Program graduates who are currently employed can reside for up to 5 additional years to help them be better equipped to retain their sobriety and independence when they do leave.
Center for Women & Children (CWC)
In March of 2023, HUM opened its state -of -the- art CWC which offers women and children (0-3 years) a secure, home-like environment. 83% of the women who came to Helping Up Mission were experiencing homelessness for the first time, however, you do not need to be alone if you are struggling. At HUM’s Center for Women & Children you will receive essentials, such as:
- Onsite substance abuse counseling or mental health services
- Case management
- Supportive community
- A safe room with a locking door
- Toiletries for showering
- Clean clothes
- Spiritual help
- Hot meals
- Childcare necessities
No Cost to Clients
Basic needs and all services are provided to clients at no cost! To get a better sense of the scope and level of services that HUM provides clients, please see list of key accomplishments for FY24:
- 631,807 Full meals served
- 194,715 Bed-nights of shelter provided
- 20,097 Group and Individual Substance Abuse and Mental Health Counseling Sessions
- 6,420 Medical & Dental Appointments (Onsite and Offsite)
- 150 Spiritual Recovery Program Graduates
- 123 Clients Gained Employment
- 77 Clients Enrolled in college and / or Technical Skills Training
- 6 Clients Earned their Maryland High School Diploma
Events with HUM
Recovery Golf Shot Event (Friday, June 13, 2025): Over the past eight years, Cathy and Tim Taylor have led this golf fundraising event for the benefit of HUM. Collectively, they have raised over $400,000 for HUM and seen up to 150 golfers participate in this event each year.
An Evening with a Mission (2025 Date TBD): Over the past two years, HUM has hosted a gala dinner to recognize one’s outstanding service and dedication to HUM with the Bob Gehman Service Award. Over $200,000 has been raised for HUM. A Fall 2025 gala dinner is being planned to celebrate the 140th anniversary of HUM.
Baltimore Running Festival (October 19, 2024): This October, the Baltimore Running Festival roars back to life for the 23rd time!Team HUM began in 2008 as an enthusiastic handful of runners hustling for a great cause in the Annual Baltimore Running Festival. By 2023, a handful had grown to over 125 walkers and runners who helped raise over $160,000 for Helping Up Mission. Thanks to generous sponsors, HUM’s 14 years of Baltimore Running Festival participation has raised more than $2,360,000 for the organization.
How to Get Involved
Volunteer
Volunteers come from local churches, youth groups, businesses, medical centers and government agencies, and all play a meaningful role in the recovery process. Volunteer opportunities include kitchen duty/meal service, educational tutoring, professional “pro bono” services, special events and prayer partnerships. Click here to learn more about volunteering.
Donate
Donations help HUM to continue funding their programs and centers in order to provide support to those experiencing homelessness and addiction. Click here to learn more about ways to give.
Learn More
View the website to learn more about Helping Up Mission and how the organization provides men and women in Baltimore with guidance to find a new way forward in life.