History

2021 marked the 40th Anniversary of The Religious Coalition.

In 1981, a group of 50 Religious congregations, civic groups, and local agencies came together to address the challenges of homelessness and poverty in Frederick County. The Coalition’s initial mission was to serve as a safety net for those in need of emergency shelter. The mission evolved to include programs that support people as they move beyond crisis and regain control of their lives. By 1998, services included energy and prescription assistance and financial support with security deposits.

1981

  • The Religious Coalition is officially founded in June  
  • The first food banks are established.  Between 1981 and 2001, six more would become a part of the Coalition’s network of food banks to support the County.

1988

  • Boy Scouts hold a “Scouting for Food” drive to support The Coalition’s clients

1990

  • The Cold Weather Shelter opens at Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ

1991

  • A Fuel Fund is established with support from the State of Maryland

1992

  • The Coalition’s first office opens in Kemp Hall on East Church Street

1993

  • Mike Watterson becomes the Coalition’s first part-time Director

1995

  • Ben Davis becomes the Coalition’s first full-time Director

1996

  • The Cold Shelter moves to a city-owned building

1999

  • Rev. Brian Scott is named Executive Director

2002

  • The permanent Alan P. Linton, Jr. Cold Weather Shelter opens on Degrange Street in downtown Frederick

  • Offices move to the Federated Charities Building

2003

  • New offices for the Coalition open on East Patrick Street

2005

  • The Coalition hosts 11 families displaced by hurricane Katrina

  • The Children’s Christmas Assistance Program is established

2006

  • The Alan P. Linton, Jr. Client Support Center on Degrange Street opens

2007

  • The Cold Weather Day Shelter program is launched

2011

  • The Coalition becomes the point of entry for residents facing evictions and housing emergencies

2014

  • Alan P. Linton, Jr. Cold Weather Shelter transitions to become a year-round Emergency Shelter
  • The Emergency Family Shelter is established. Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ is the first congregation to host the families

2016

  • The Alan P. Linton, Jr. Resource Center is established as a day site for the Emergency Family Shelter

2017

  • Nick Brown becomes Executive Director

  • The Community Garden is established in partnership with Hood College’s Frederick Food Security Network

2019

  • White-Hayward Farmhouse is acquired to serve as the future site of the Emergency Family Shelter

2020

  • The Getting Ahead program is established to support clients as they work towards self-sufficiency

2021

  • The Coalition celebrates 40 years serving the Frederick County Community.

2022

  • The new Emergency Family Shelter on Hayward Road opens.
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