The mission of Rainbow Place is to provide women emergency overnight shelter during the hypothermia season and assist them as they transition to a better quality of life. The majority of the women are newly experiencing homelessness within the past 12 months; some have been experiencing homelessness for many years. While many are employed or receive public assistance, all of Rainbow's women are c
onsidered to be at the lowest level of poverty, unable to afford a modest apartment for themselves or for their family. Rainbow Place serves as a gateway into the Continuum of Care for the homeless in the County and partners with numerous agencies to meet the needs of the women who are served at the shelter. Our all part-time staff are mostly seasonal and appreciate the many committed volunteers who help with a variety of tasks. Volunteers are vital to ensure Rainbow Place can operate on its modest budget. We rely on churches, organizations, schools and individuals of all ages to support evening and daytime volunteer needs both on and off-site. We are currently working to expand our services to provide a safe haven for youth (18-24 years of age) experiencing homelessness in Montgomery County, Maryland inclusive of LGBTQ+, heterosexual, and cisgender individuals. Rainbow will provide year-round, 24-hour emergency shelter and support, offering a comprehensive set of services to facilitate their transition out of homelessness.
