Creating Pathways to Stability: Interfaith Works

Each 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 celebration hosted at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore. Mark your calendars for this year’s event on Friday, September 12.

As we approach this year’s festivities, we are proud to shine a spotlight on one of our 2025 beneficiaries: Interfaith Works, a Montgomery County-based nonprofit providing vital services and pathways to greater stability for individuals and families experiencing homelessness and poverty.

About Interfaith Works

With a mission to support neighbors in need, Interfaith Works (IW) is rooted in compassion, dignity and service. Serving over 35,000 Montgomery County residents in 2024 alone, IW provides essential support to individuals facing poverty, housing insecurity and food instability.

IW provides a wide range of programs that address basic needs, housing, employment and emergency assistance. From helping families stay housed to ensuring children have backpacks for school, IW’s work is both broad in scope and deeply personal in impact.

Programs That Make a Difference

To meet the diverse and evolving needs of the community, Interfaith Works offers a range of core programs that provide both immediate relief and long-term support:

• Emergency Shelters: IW provides safe, supportive shelter environments for individuals experiencing homelessness. These spaces offer not only a roof over one’s head, but also access to meals, case management and pathways to permanent housing.
• Supportive Housing: Through a variety of supportive housing programs, IW helps individuals and families transition out of homelessness. With personalized support and access to essential services, clients are supported and empowered to rebuild their lives with confidence.
• Essential Needs: The Essential Needs Center (ENC) distributes food, clothing, household items and school supplies to thousands of households annually. The center also provides emergency financial assistance and connects clients to additional resources, helping them navigate challenges and work toward lasting stability.
• Vocational Services: IW’s Vocational Services Program equips job seekers with the tools they need to succeed in the workforce. Through training, resume support and job placement assistance, the program helps clients overcome barriers to employment and take meaningful steps toward financial security.

Impact by the Numbers

In 2024, Interfaith Works delivered measurable support across Montgomery County:

• 35,000+ residents served
• $4,439,000 of clothing and household goods donated to 4,000+ households
• $129,574 in rental assistance and $143,379 in utility assistance
• 246 clients supported through supportive housing
• 3,000+ individuals served through shelter and drop-in programs
• 94% of job-seeking clients placed in employment

Voices from the Community

The impact of Interfaith Works is best understood through the words of those they’ve helped. These heartfelt messages reflect the real-life difference IW makes every day:

• “I have been homeless for 6 years and of all the shelters I’ve been to, this one gave me my joy back. Superheroes work here.”
• “I thank you very much for the help with rent that you gave me. Thank you very much for listening when I needed it most and for the support I have felt.”
• “The backpack program is very helpful. The money I would have to spend on backpacks would take away from money used for food.”
• “This food pantry has been an incredible blessing. I am a senior citizen living on a fixed income and rely on this service.”
• “It brings me great joy to express our gratitude for the clothing, shoes, bags and household supplies we’ve received over the years. Seeing my children excitedly jump around with their school supplies each year warms our hearts.” 

Visit the IW News page to explore more powerful testimonials and community updates.