A LETTER FROM OUR CEO
Dear Friends,
As a new school year begins, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible community that surrounds Interfaith Works. Because of your generosity, partnership, and commitment, thousands of Montgomery County students are starting the school year with the supplies they need—and the confidence to begin strong.
This year, our community not only met our Back-to-School fundraising goal, but exceeded what we hoped to accomplish in impact. Together, we provided more than 3,000 students across Montgomery County with new backpacks and school supplies, including more than 1,000 backpacks and supply kits distributed directly through local schools.
THIS MONTH IN IW NEWS
This back-to-school season, our community came together in an incredible way. More than 200 individuals, businesses, and community groups contributed more than $110,000 to our Every Child Deserves a Strong Start campaign, helping Montgomery County students begin the school year prepared and confident.
The impact goes far beyond financial support. Generous in-kind donors also provided backpacks, school supplies, clothing, and food, ensuring families had access to the resources they needed throughout the season. Through our Essential Needs Center, we have provided more than 1,800 backpacks to students and assisted more than 900 families, while another 1,000+ backpacks were distributed directly to local community schools.
Behind every number is a student who can walk into the classroom feeling prepared, and a family that knows their community is standing behind them.
IW PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
Interfaith Works is excited to share an important new chapter in our shelter services as we continue strengthening the ways we serve people experiencing homelessness in Montgomery County.
On August 20, Interfaith Works established a dedicated IW Women’s Center at our Taft Court location. The women’s shelter programs previously operating at Taft Court and Crabbs Branch have come together at Taft, creating a space with capacity to serve up to 70 women.
On September 1, we will also open the IW Men’s Center at our Crabbs Branch location, providing shelter and supportive services for up to 60 men.
These changes are part of our continued commitment to providing safe, dignified, and supportive environments where individuals experiencing homelessness can find stability, access resources, and take meaningful steps toward permanent housing.
IW IN THE COMMUNITY
Last weekend, the community came together for the 18th Annual Back-to-School Bash, hosted by Potomac Lifestyle in support of Interfaith Works.
During the event over 400 backpacks and numerous bins of school supplies were donated by attendees!
We are incredibly grateful to Potomac Lifestyle for continuing to make this event possible, and to all of the vendors, volunteers, community members, and supporters who came out to celebrate and lend their support. Your participation helped create a fun and welcoming day for families while strengthening our collective effort to ensure Montgomery County students have what they need to start the school year ready and confident.
Thank you for showing what is possible when our community comes together!
Our CEO Lauren Puryear recently joined the Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce Podcast for a thoughtful conversation about building stronger communities and the work of Interfaith Works.
In the episode, Lauren shares insights from her leadership journey and discusses the importance of collaboration, community, and creating meaningful impact for those we serve.
Give it a listen: Listen to the full episode on Spotify
We hope you’ll tune in to hear Lauren’s perspective on how we can all play a role in building stronger, more connected communities.
Earlier this month, Interfaith Works brought together residents of our supportive housing programs, staff, volunteers, donors, and family members for a special Shared Supportive Housing Community Celebration at our Essential Needs Center.
The gathering was an opportunity to step away from the everyday and simply enjoy being together, with good food, fun, laughter, and connection. More than an event, it was a celebration of the community we have built together and the people who make it possible.
We are grateful to everyone who joined us and to the staff, volunteers, and donors whose continued support helps our residents build stability, connection, and a place to call home!
BY THE NUMBERS
In FY26 over
1,400
Clients were assisted by Connections
In FY26 the IW Connections Program assisted over 1,400 clients over 500 households with emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities, and eviction prevention.
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Your support makes our work possible—and your time can make an even greater impact. Every day, volunteers help welcome community members at our Essential Needs Center, prepare and serve meals to clients at our Emergency Shelters and Shared Supportive Housing locations, organize donation drives, and bring hope to neighbors on their path to stability. Whether you have a few hours each month on your own or want to volunteer with a group, there's a meaningful way to get involved.
Join fellow volunteers and help create brighter futures for Montgomery County neighbors.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join Interfaith Works for the 2nd Annual Harmony of Hearts: Night of Shared Purpose — a benefit concert that brings together performers from faith and non-faith communities for a night of music, celebration, and giving. Our goal is to raise $8,000 for urgent needs in our IW Community like providing meals for clients in our shelters and supportive homes.
Interested performers should register on behalf of their group! Religious and non-religious groups welcome!
Questions? email us at faithcommunitypartnerships@iworksmc.org
DONATE NOW
SUPPORT OUR SHELTERS!
As our shelter programs transition, there will also be opportunities for our community to support the Women’s and Men’s Centers through in-kind donations and volunteer engagement. For current donation needs, please click here. For volunteer information or questions about how you can support this work, please contact IW Faith and Community Partnerships Administrator Nicole Josey at njosey@iworksmc.org.
We are grateful for your continued partnership and support. Together, we are creating spaces that offer more than shelter — they offer dignity, connection, and a pathway forward.