Patrons for
Peace Project
Supporting quality of life with dignity
Who We Are
Patrons for Peace Project, Inc. is a non-profit organization located in Laurel, Maryland committed to providing alternative types of support and creative resources to help homeless individuals and consumers of mental health services achieve and maintain a quality of life with dignity.
Through no fault of their own, many individuals we serve have not been able to navigate through traditional programs. As a result, they have given up hope after encountering a “system” they think does nothing but create barriers and cause frustration. Many individuals we serve have “fallen between the cracks”. The systems are set up in a manner that is not conducive to help the population we target. Some people have no transportation, suffer from memory problems, struggle with addiction, are easily frustrated, or simply have given up hope. Getting around and keeping appointments frequently is a chore that is not possible for them.
Monthly Feature, May: Vernessa Scurry
Patrons for Peace Project has been extremely fortunate to have found Juda Gabaie a tax lawyer who has helped us to help clients over the years. Financial debt secondary to tax evasion, gambling and garnishment causing financial ruin and then homelessness carries an extraordinary amount of shame, guilt and anger at oneself and the “system”. We have seen hopelessness and despair in such depths in a couple of clients that suicide was being considered as an option. Fortunately for all involved, Juda’s services were enlisted, and a solution was mapped out to restore financial stability.
Our Mission
Our on-going mission involves working to help these individuals attain and maintain their maximum level of independence. We start by micromanaging each client’s struggles and walk beside them — “hand-holding” when necessary. We accompany them to appointments, advocating each step of the way.
Our comprehensive services include, but are not limited to the following:
- Obtaining SSI and SSDI
- Evaluations/treatment from doctors and nurse practitioners
- Cognitive assessments
- Housing
- Legal services/representation
- Transportation throughout the USA
- Investigative use of a detective (Family history, criminal background, etc.)
- Veterinarian services for homeless individuals’ pets
- Referrals to treatment centers for addictions
- Referrals to charitable hospice care
- Setting up mobile mental health treatment
- Purchasing tangible items
- Paying court fines/fees
- Resource identification and coordination
Highlights of Our Work
2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a new wave of problems for Laurel’s homeless population. We are seeking unique ways to help the most vulnerable population in Laurel. Daily we hand out masks, arrange for transportation, assist with housing and food needs.
We were able to help three men go into treatment programs for chemical dependency. After they completed the program they were placed in halfway houses where they will be financially supported for six months. One of the men has been referred for psychiatric treatment.
Two vulnerable adults were removed from a dangerous situation with police backup assisting us. Our driver (Bob Reilly) was on the scene to transport them to safety. They both have new places to live.
Four clients were put into a hotel on a short-term basis while we waited for a bed at Safe Journey House for psychiatric stabilization.
Phones were purchased for six clients. This way all the clients can be followed by a psychiatric team from QCI Behavioral Health.
An uninsured woman was transported by our driver for an emergency ophthalmology appointment. We are fortunate this doctor was willing to see her for an evaluation. We are going to help her and work on a disability application for her.
2019
Patrons for Peace Project continues to work with very vulnerable clients in Laurel helping them to get needed services. One man has declined help for two years due to fear and paranoia. Members of the organization continued to try to help this individual in the streets of Laurel, never giving up.
Sometimes it involved buying a meal or helping with a phone bill when he would be seen panhandling. Eventually this man said he would accept help. The man allowed us to get him his disability, housing and now has a mobile psychiatric team involved with his care.