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The Night Of Peace Family Shelter Inc was first envisioned by Colin Phillips, Pastor Of Salem United Methodist Church of Hebbville, in 2004. He had worked with homeless persons as a mental health professional based in the Harford County Maryland detention center. When he was appointed as a United Methodist elder to serve Salem Church, and walking into the church basement on his first day there, pastor Phillips saw the potential for a ministry to homeless families.
As a result of an intensive nine month Disciple Bible Study led by Pastor Phillips in 2004, the members of the group made a covenant together to open an emergency homeless shelter two nights per week at the church. In this effort they were encouraged by Sandy Monck from the Office Of Community Conservation, a branch of Baltimore County Maryland government.
The shelter opened two nights a week in the cold February-March months of 2005. Subsequently, empowered by this initial experience, the group moved towards realization of Pastor Phillips’ vision of a full-time homeless shelter for families on the church property. Pastor Phillips created the 501(c)3 tax-exempt Night Of Peace Family Shelter in November 2005, with the name created by Bruce Kopp, a Salem member and songwriter who penned a song to sum up the shelter ministry’s vision.
In 2006 Pastor Phillips was approached by a leader of nearby Epworth Chapel United Methodist Church, Cynthia Taylor, to form a partnership in ministry. With funding for the shelter ministry secured through the help of Sandy Monck, the seven nights a week shelter ministry opened at Salem Church in July 2006.
In the Summer of 2007 a new shower and laundry facility was opened and dedicated with the participation of County Executive James Smith and several community leaders and members of the State legislature. Senator Ben Cardin and Senator Barbara Mikulski sent representatives to the dedication. The materials and labor for the facility were donated by Grayson Homes.
The shelter hired an Executive Director, Megan Goffney, in February 2008 who supervised a staff of four evening and overnight managers. Megan moved on from her position in June 2010 and Rev Colin Phillips was confirmed by the Board of Directors as the new Executive Director beginning July 2010. Valerie Hux was promoted July 2010 to be shelter manager with four overnight and evening staff. In July 2008 the shelter contracted with Tabb Accounting Tax & Financial Services to provide accounting services.The shelter plans to hire a social worker part-time as part of the new staffing pattern."
Since its inception, the Night Of Peace has become highly valued for what the supervisor of the DSS referral unit has called its "home-like" atmosphere. Guests eat together, solve problems together, work side by side with their children and in completing tasks whilst in the shelter. The Night Of Peace is an important community resource on the West side of Baltimore County, Maryland.
Rev Phillips (Executive Director), Heather Young (Board President), Valerie Hux (Shelter Manager), Board Members and valued volunteers from our partnered churches and the community and our skillful dedicated staff greet you and invite you to join us on the journey to support homeless families with children and to eradicate homelessness."
…share your bread with the hungry
'Bring the homeless poor into your house': (Isaiah 58:7). Let us respond with sanctuary and hospitality as God requires. Amen!" |
