Frequently Asked Questions

How did LARS get started?

What are the key services of LARS?

How do people get help from LARS?

What does LARS help with?

How many people does LARS help every year?

How is LARS funded?

How can you help LARS?

HOW DID LARS GET STARTED:

In 1987, a group of local Laurel pastors and laypeople came together to develop a consolidated approach to dealing with the number of people who were coming to their doors seeking assistance. Religious partner organizations help to support LARS financially, and often provide volunteer assistance, when needed. Partnership entitles local congregations to assign a person from their church or synagogue to sit on the LARS Board of Directors. The Board member serves as a liaison to their local congregation so that the congregations are kept informed about LARS’ programs, and needs. Proselytizing is not allowed although helping clients develop their spiritual resources has been encouraged as part of a holistic approach to our services.

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WHAT ARE THE KEY SERVICES OF LARS:

• Assessment of individuals and families to determine needed service
• Limited emergency assistance, including: food, shelter, eviction and utility cut-off prevention, referral to treatment facilities for addictions, and clothing  (Am Vets, Encore Thrift Store)
• Short-term crisis counseling, as needed
• Limited emergency shelter placements
• Transitional housing and support services for 10 homeless families
• Permanent housing for seven chronically homeless individuals
• Application preparation assistance for low-income individuals who are SSI or SSDI eligible
• Information on resources by telephone or personal contacts
• Linkage with appropriate community partners
• Assistance with resume preparation and job searches
• Budget counseling for money management
• Advocating for clients with other community services
• Holiday program (provides food and gifts to low-income families in Nov/Dec)
• School supplies for low income families
• Referrals

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HOW DO PEOPLE GET HELP FROM LARS:

• To get help from LARS, an individual or family must live in the Laurel area in one of four zip codes:  20707 (Laurel City, Prince George’s County), 20708 (Prince George’s County), 20723 (Howard County) and 20724 (Anne Arundel County)
• A person requesting assistance must first come in to see a caseworker
• Services are provided to anyone in the Greater Laurel area, regardless of race, color, creed, gender, or disability, who needs assistance
• A caseworker will conduct an “intake” session that lasts approximately 30-50 minutes with an individual or family and assess their needs.   Clients should bring a picture ID (military, driver’s license, employee, etc.) and provide the date of birth for all household members, proof of income, social security card for all household members, proof of need such as a BGE bill as well as copy of cut off notice, OR court eviction notice, OR a copy of a lease
• Stop in or schedule an appointment during our office hours: M, W, F 9 AM-2 PM or Monday evenings 5PM-7:30 PM. Appointments are encouraged.

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WHAT DOES LARS HELP WITH?

• Food
• Electric/Gas cut-off prevention
• Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) Applications
• Assistance With The Preparation of Applications for Benefits
• Eviction Prevention
• First Month’s Rent
• Limited Emergency Shelter
• Budgeting
• Transitional Housing and Support Services
• Permanent Housing
• Rapid Re-Housing
• Employment Counseling
• School Supplies
• Holiday Food and Gifts
• Referrals (and limited funding) for drug, alcohol, addiction treatment
• Referrals (and limited funding) for mental health and some health related issues

Whatever it is that we do to help an individual or family in need, we do our best to convey that we are providing “crisis intervention.” Our primary goal is to help families to become more self-sufficient.  We do not want to be a “band-aid” for crisis, but rather a bridge that helps families/individuals to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency.

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HOW MANY PEOPLE DOES LARS HELP EVERY YEAR?

More than 2,000 individuals and/or families each year.

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HOW IS LARS FUNDED?

LARS’ funding comes from a variety of sources that include: federal, state, local and private grants; support from member congregations; and fund-raising.

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HOW CAN YOU HELP LARS?

There are lots of ways that people can help LARS.  For specific information, please call our office.  Below are some suggestions.

• Donate non-perishable food items or grocery gift certificates to the food pantry (please check expiration dates when donating food to the LARS Pantry)
• Organize a food drive for your congregation, school or civic group to benefit the LARS food pantry
• Participate in or organize a Fannie Mae Foundation sponsored “Help the Homeless” Walk (held in September or October) at your congregation or school
• Participate in our annual Silent Auction/Bull Roast and/or the Thanksgiving Morning 5K Turkey Trot
• Become a corporate Sponsor for the Fannie Mae Foundation Help the Homeless Walk or the Thanksgiving Morning 5K Turkey Trot
• Assist LARS with gathering items to be auctioned at their Silent Auction/ Bull Roast;
• Give at work through the United Way or CFC
• Make a direct financial contribution to LARS
• Volunteer to help in the office or for a special event
• Donate grocery store gift cards or postage stamps
• Provide food and gifts for a LARS family during the holiday season
• Include LARS in your estate planning
• Ask your friends and family to make a donation (financial or in-kind) in your honor in lieu of birthday, holiday, wedding gifts, etc.
• Spread the word about the good work we do in the community.

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last update 09/29/2011