Reach of Washington County

06/17/2026

Our Executive Director enjoyed joining Rabbi Mark Perman on his Interfaith Roundtable podcast to share about Homelessness, Compassion and the Power of Community.
Please click the link to listen to the episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-interfaith-roundtable-with-rabbi-mark/id1643183820?i=1000763136730

They touched on the increase in need, the changing face of homelessness and the vital role that faith communities, local organizations, and volunteers play in making a difference—showing how compassion, collaboration, and understanding can bring real change.

This episode is a powerful reminder that while the challenges are complex, hope is found in people coming together to serve others!

Visit his website to listen to other episodes. https://listenhagerstown.com/interfaith-roundtable/

What other guests or topics should he have on the podcast?

06/10/2026

Established Cooling Stations and Water Station Sites

As we prepare for the extreme temperatures this week, we wanted to remind everyone of our established cooling stations and water station sites. These stations are open to anyone needing to cool down, use the restroom, get a drink of water or refill a water bottle, etc.

Please refer anyone needing to escape the heat to the established drop-in centers on the Street Guide, the soup kitchens, and the Hope Center (Rescue Mission).

In addition to these resources, the libraries are open to everyone (except Federal holidays), and the Atrium at Robinwood has tables & chairs, water stations, restrooms and wi-fi.

There are 3 water stations downtown where anyone can access to cool water.
The Hope Center at Hagerstown Rescue Mission*
Horizon Goodwill Industries
Potomac Community Services's Homeless Outreach
*Accessible after hours

For your quick reference, these guides can be downloaded at www.reachofwc.org/resources-2.

Thank you and stay safe!

06/08/2026

Thank you to our friends at The Salvation Army Hagerstown, MD Command for your sweet visit on National Donut Day!
We appreciate your thoughtfulness and partnership throughout the year.
Thank you!

We learned this fun trivia from our friends at Washington County Chamber of Commerce:
Did you know? National Donut Day was established by The Salvation Army in 1938 to honor the volunteers who served donuts and provided comfort to soldiers on the front lines during WWI & WWII. Today, the day celebrates their service and helps raise awareness of The Salvation Army's ongoing community work.

05/20/2026

Reach may be best known for our Cold Weather Shelter, but our Day Resource Center is a drop-in center open year round for individuals who are experiencing homelessness to use the phone, check their mail, use the restroom, hydrate, and get hygiene supplies.
During the non-shelter season (April-October), individuals can come in on Mondays and Wednesdays to shower and do laundry.

05/02/2026

We are so grateful for Good News Hagerstown, Inc. for all their efforts coordinating volunteers, securing so many flowers and plants, and 100 bags of mulch to make Reach of Washington County and Aspiring to Serve, Inc. spaces brighter!
Your thoughtfulness and efforts have brightened our days and our City. We are still smiling walking into work each day, our entrance is so welcoming for our team and those we serve!
Thank you Sam's Club for their generous donations and committing to ongoing donations to keep the spaces and planters flourishing!.
Thank you Global Vision Christian School Broadfording for sharing these hardworking students and faculty to give extra hands, including help unload and spread ONE HUNDRED bags of mulch around the property.
Thank you!

04/27/2026

We are so honored to be a recipient of the Responsive Grant Awards from the Community Foundation of Washington County Maryland Incorporated.
We are encouraged and inspired by our community partners and their impactful collaborative initiatives in Washington County.
Most of all, we are so proud of our collaborative efforts with St. John's Hagerstown Family Shelter.
Thank you!

We were proud to celebrate our 2026 Responsive Grant recipients this morning. This year, 16 grants were awarded, totaling over $268,000.

Congratulations to each of the recipients and thank you for the incredible work you do to strengthen our community.

04/10/2026

REACH is closed the week of April 13th, and will reopen Monday, April 20, 2026, rested and ready to serve.

04/09/2026

As we wrap up the 2025-2026 Cold Weather Shelter season and prepare the space for showers and laundry days, we still had some items that will expire before the next season.
With a heart to help and spread the wealth, Jess set out to share these items with others! She felt blessed to fill the cupboards at some little pantries and with our friends at Holly Place.
Thank you!

03/10/2026

What's that saying about March coming in like a lion?

Kim and this St Ann Catholic Church crew were ready to handle anything! Daily fluctuations in temperatures, pouring rain, and back-to-back equipment malfunctions did not slow them down.

When the freezer glitched (and then the fridge), they pivoted storage options and kept the show running. Thakfully those homemade biscuits were saved. Frank and Lucy's kitchen crew use every inch of that kitchen to make full meals from scratch.

Thank you for bringing crafts and activities throughout the week. These fun activities are therapeutic and simply fun for the shelter residents, volunteers and staff.

We are so grateful for your partnership and support. Thank you for sharing your time and energy with us.