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According to Executive Director Deb Vornbrock, Martin’s House and Barn in Ridgely is “a low-barrier, trauma-informed, emergency family shelter, food pantry, and community thrift store serving Caroline County and the surrounding Mid-Shore region. We provide safe shelter, nutritious food, affordable clothing and household items, and individualized support to families and individuals experiencing housing and food insecurity.” The operation was founded in 1983 by the same Benedictine Sisters who founded the Benedictine School, with whom Martin’s House and Barn shares a property.
The Caroline Foundation has been a longtime supporter of Martin’s House and Barn. Vornbrock said that the Foundation’s financial contributions are invaluable because the funds can fill in the areas that uber-specific grants from other entities do not cover. The best and most vital example of this for Vornbrock is staffing. “Enhanced staffing allows us to provide consistent, reliable coverage 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and ensure that families always have access to trained, compassionate staff,” she said, “Because we are open year-round and do not require families to leave during the day, children and caregivers experience much-needed stability, safety, and continuity — particularly during school breaks, illness, or times of crisis. This model also places a significant and ongoing demand on staffing.”
Vornbrock added that grants from the Caroline Foundation provide reliable funding in the extremely unreliable nonprofit climate, and allow them to weather dips in donations or other funding opportunities. Being able to count on these funds is huge to Martin’s House and Barn, which distributes more than 10 tons of food each month and provides around 10,000 bednights a year to parents and children who need a safe place to stay.
“Every day, we see the resilience and strength of our neighbors. Our role is to walk alongside them with compassion, practical support, and respect. Support from the Caroline Foundation helps make that possible and allows us to continue building a Community of Hospitality & Hope in Caroline County,” Vornbrock said.
