Please be advised that The Salvation Army Shelter will be temporarily closing for renovations starting October 1st. They were approved for a Lowes Hometowns Grant that is allowing them to do some renovations to their shelter. Therefore, they are not accepting any new clients until renovations are complete. They anticipate reopening the shelter in Mid-November.
Homeless Coalition presents at September HARC Meeting
At HARC’s September meeting, members of the Washington County Homeless Coalition shared valuable information about the collaborative work being done in our county to reduce homelessness and how the faith community can help. Mayor Bill McIntire and Chief Paul Kifer of the Hagerstown Police Department also shared why there is a new ordinance prohibiting sleeping in public places and how it’s helping.
The Homeless Coalition includes many local agencies and organizations and community members who all care about people who are unhoused and work together to help reduce and prevent homelessness. Representing the Homeless Coalition were: Jeannie Asbury, Executive Director of Reach, Tim Fisher, CEO of Community Action Council and pastor of Covenant Life Church, and Kelli Black, Program Coordinator for the Washington County Mental Health Authority.
Watch the program on our YouTube channel.
The Face of Homelessness WC 2025 – statistics and information about homelessness in Washington County.
Volunteers Needed at Salem Elementary
Salem Elementary School is seeking community volunteers to help provide fun and engaging activities for students on early dismissal days. These afternoons run from 2:00–3:30 p.m., with activities in 30–40 minute rotations for groups of about 10 students each. The goal is to keep the afternoons varied and engaging, while also giving students the chance to connect with different caring adults in the community.
Volunteers DO NOT need to commit to every early dismissal day – any date will help. Since they rotate through 2-3 different activities, even one activity contribution is very helpful! The school will get any materials needed and have school staff there to support.
Early dismissal days are: September 24, October 30, December 5, December 23, January 16, February 13, March 13, April 1, and May 1.
If interested, please contact Angela Yamashita, HARC Lighthouse After School Program Coordinator, as soon as possible at yamashitaangela6@gmail.com or (240) 347-0780.
Member Spotlight
HARC members, we want to shine the “spotlight” on YOU!
At least once per month, we would like to highlight a HARC member or faith-based affiliate on our website and in the News Flash. We need your help to do this well, so it’s time to toot your own horn, share your latest news, and introduce yourself to the community.
If you would like to be in the “Spotlight,” please have someone in your congregation submit an article answering the following questions (if you aren’t comfortable writing an article, you can just answer the questions and our amazing PR & Marketing guru will write it for you).
Member/Affiliate Spotlight questions:
~ Who are you? (a brief description)
~ Tell us about your mission.
~ Please share some highlights of your program(s) or ministry.
~ What is it about your membership/affiliation with HARC that’s most important to you?
~ In what ways is your faith community/organization contributing to HARC fulfilling its mission?
Optional information you may include:
~ A call to action if you need volunteers or other support, or if you have an upcoming event.
~ Links to your website and/or social media and contact info.
Please submit your Spotlight information in MS Word, Google Doc or simple email text format to director@harccoalition.org.
Thank you! We’re excited to share your ministry!
Support HARC by Recycling Ink Cartridges
As a valued supporter of Hagerstown Area Religious Council (HARC), we’re reaching out to share an exciting opportunity to help us raise funds for our cause through the Planet Green Recycle fundraising program.
Two simple ways you can help:
1. Recycle your used ink cartridges: Gather 4 or more used ink cartridges you have at home or in your office and request a FREE shipping label at www.planetgreenrecycle.com using our Program ID number 32812. This ensures that your recycling efforts directly benefit our organization.
2. Purchase printer cartridges at Planet Green Recycle: Add our Program ID 32812 next to your first name when checking out, Planet Green Recycle will contribute 10% of your total purchase to our fundraiser. Planet Green Recycle has the largest selection of U.S. remanufactured and name brand OEM surplus ink and toners on the market.
Spread the Word. If you don’t need to purchase or recycle today, someone you know might. Most households and businesses own a printer. Please share this email with friends, family, and colleagues, encouraging them to help our fundraiser by recycling and buying replacement printer cartridges using our Program ID 32812.
Our goal is to create a local chain reaction to help our fundraiser. By working together, we can have people across Washington County (and beyond) help us raise vital funds for HARC’s programs while keeping printer cartridges out of landfills.
Thank you for your help and support!
Washington County Council of Churches dba Hagerstown Area Religious Council (HARC)
Seeking Vendors for Nov 1 Event
Christ’s Reformed Church UCC in Hagerstown is seeking vendors to participate in an event at the church which will be held November 1 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm in conjunction with Jonathan Hager Week. The church is located at 130 W. Franklin St. If interested, please contact the church at 301-733-4144, M-F, 9 am to noon.
