Silver Spring Homeless Center Gets $200,000 Grant

SILVER SPRING, MD — A local non-profit that provides aid to the homeless in Silver Spring recently announced they are the recipient of the 2016 Neighborhood Builders Award from Bank of America Charitable Foundation. With this grant, Shepherd's Table was awarded $200,000 in flexible funding.

"Shepherd's Table and its leaders are on the front lines of tackling tough issues that are vital to the growth of Greater Washington," said Jeff Wood, Greater Washington market president, Bank of America. "The funding provided through Neighborhood Builders will help Shepherd's Table scale their impact, enhance their leadership capabilities, and help our community continue to thrive."

Shepherd's Table provides food, clothing, counseling, medical help and other support services to individuals and families in Silver Spring. They're supported by volunteers, religious congregations, businesses, foundations and individual donors.

In 2016, Shepherd's Table provided 55,379 meals for its guests, and the organization anticipates the number of people it serves will grow by 20% overall in the coming year.

The Neighborhood Builders Award helps nonprofit organizations focus on their impact through leadership development and $200,000 in flexible funding.

This provide leaders with the tools they need to develop stronger strategic plans, chart a succession plan, navigate through tough economic times and enhance their funding opportunities, according to a press release.

"We are immensely grateful to Bank of America for its deep commitment to impact the lives of the most vulnerable in our community," Jacki Coyle, Executive Director of Shepherd's Table, said in a statement. "The Neighborhood Builders Grant recognizes the impact we have had for 33 years and also recognizes Shepherd's Table's strength and commitment to further impact lives in the years to come."

The Neighborhood Builders Grant is especially useful to Shepherd's Table, as the organization recently doubled its food services program to meet the need for nutritious meals in Silver Spring.

Photos: Shepherd's Table