Religious Effort to Assist & Care for the Homeless Inc

Reach of Washington County is a faith-based, non-profit organization birthed in 1990 when a group of compassionate people responded to a need in our community and agreed to make themselves available 24 hours a day for emergencies such as motel placements for homeless families, food, prescription medication and more.

We have come a long way since those humble beginnings. We now partner with the faith community to operate a year-round Day Resource Center where county residents facing housing crises or having other urgent needs can come for resources, referrals and a listening ear; a Cold Weather Shelter with case management to help clients move from homelessness to self sufficiency; and the original 24-Hour Crisis program that continues to address urgent housing needs arising after our normal office hours.

A success story:

Bill came to the Reach Cold Weather Shelter in 2010.  At that time he was a very lost soul, reluctant to trust anyone or let us help him apply for the services he needed.  He left the Cold Weather Shelter in March 2011 with no solution to his housing dilemma.  Bill returned to Reach in September 2012. Case Manager Jill Parker was a bit frustrated that Bill came back and was still homeless, but to her surprise
Bill was a very different man.  He was willing and eager do what was necessary to move forward.  Bill connected with mental health services and with Jill’s support was approved for public housing.  He is now in an apartment and, with the help of local agencies and outreach programs, his
apartment is furnished.  Bill is very excited about his new place and was surprised to learn he knew some of his neighbors!  He has already asked when he can come back to volunteer at the shelter. 

We are so grateful to the more than 1200 volunteers who serve over 3000 people annually in Reach programs.  We couldn't do it without you!