Christ Church Outreach News: February 19, 2026
- Christ Episcopal Church
- Feb 19
- 3 min read
Bridges for Housing Stability Gets Funds to Help Families in Need
Christ Church has had a meaningful partnership with Bridges to Housing Stability for nearly a decade, ranging from participation in chili-cookoffs to a volunteer project last fall to refurbish Bridges’ Guilford House.
In response to community needs, the Outreach Commission, at its February meeting, approved a $1,000 donation to Bridges and became a sponsor of its annual Heroes for Housing fundraiser. The donation will go toward the nonprofit organization’s housing stability programs to help people keep a roof over their heads, as described in Bridges’ online client stories post. These are Vestry-approved funds derived from parishioners’ pledges and contributions. Thank you!
At the Heroes for Housing event held this week at a Merriweather District restaurant, Christ Church was represented by Jan DeBoissiere and Beth Johnson (see photos). Civic leaders were honored in three categories: Advocate for Change: Kelly Cimino, director of Howard County Housing & Community Development; Housing for All: Grace Morris, executive director of Heritage Housing Partners Corp., and Pillar of the Community: HCAR Cares.
DeBoissiere was among the Christ Church volunteers who performed landscaping, painting, drywall and stairwell repairs at Guilford House (see photos). A team led by Outreach members George and Sharha Toth also included Cathy Gold, Eileen Harlee, Dave Lanczynski, and Outreach member Michon Semon. Read about their work in the Outreach Blog of Dec. 18, 2025.
Guilford House is home to several returning citizens who have gotten their lives on track after incarceration. Bridges operates this transitional housing in partnership with the Howard County Department of Corrections.
Bridges’ programs are intended to prevent and end homelessness in Howard County. These include Bridges Alliance, which offers a “Circle of Support” for low- to moderate-income tenants of its properties; an initiative that collaborates with landlords; and its new HoCo Home Share program, which could benefit empty nesters. Family Home Start aims to reduce the number of homeless students in county public schools.
Please Bring Diapers, Non-Perishables for CCC/FISH, And Consider Volunteering from Home to Take Phone Calls From Neighbors in Need
FISH and Columbia Community Care (CCC) partnered last year and merged their pantries. CCC continues to hand out food at three sites on Saturday mornings and by home delivery to Howard County residents. For information, go online to Get Help.
FISH continues to pick up donated goods from Christ Church and others. Please put non-perishable food and personal care products in the altar basket or in a bin just inside the Parish Hall. Look for a combo label “FISH/CCC”. Please bring baby wipes and diapers, especially large sizes.
FISH will continue to provide telephone support to Howard County residents to provide guidance and financial support because the personal touch is very important when people are in crisis. You could be the one to lend a helping hand, by lending an ear!
As a phone volunteer, you can help from your home by giving just one day a month to assisting those who could benefit from financial assistance from FISH. Training is provided. For information, ask parishioner and FISH treasurer Andy DeLong or email him at andydelong.fish@gmail.com. Thank you always for your support.
Kenya Connect 5k Run - March 28
Kenya Connect, an outreach partner of St. John's in Ellicott City, is holding its 12th annual 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, March 28th, at St. John's. The 5K builds community while supporting the work of Kenya Connect to provide children with options and new pathways in rural Kenya.
We welcome individual participants or a team from Christ Church. We will have post-race goodies, including a Kenyan crafts market with items made by women and men in our village. We also provide hand-carved medallions from Wamunyu to the top three women and men in all age categories.
In general, if you have suggestions about ways to help the community, if you want to get involved, or if you need assistance, please email Christ Church Outreach at outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org. Your help is greatly welcomed and appreciated. Thank you.
