Homeless Resource Center: By the numbers

 

 

Since opening in December 2021, the Homeless Resource Center has seen a steady increase in visitors.  During its first full month of operations in January 2022, we tracked 151 unique visitors, many of whom returned several times throughout the month.  The number of unique visitors has increased almost every month since, with May recording 422 total unique visitors. ‘

“It used to seem busy when we had 20 visitors over the course of four hours,” says Megan Taylor, Homeless Resource Center Coordinator.  “But last week, we had 22 visitors within just an hour.”

Taylor says several services are frequently used, including one of the most popular—post office boxes and mail delivery services.  Currently, 169 people experiencing homelessness are using the Joppa Home Address & Mail Delivery Service.  Mail is available daily at the pickup window in the resource center, and Joppa makes weekly mail deliveries to where people are camping.

Joppa clients also frequently access the Survival Supply Store and enjoy the diginity of choosing their own clothing of various sizes, undergarments, hygiene and toiletry supplies.  Thanks to donations from Kum & Go, visitors are also able to grab quick food items such as breakfast sandwiches, burgers, chicken, fruit and vegetables.

Taylor says she asks clients when they first come in how they heard about the Homeless Resource Center, and answers vary.  But the common theme is that Joppa is known as a place to go for help.  “They tell me that another homeless person they’ve met told them they need to get in touch with Joppa.”