Help Upton/Druid Heights Students & Families

These are unprecedented times in our nation and community. The COVID-19 crisis has brought on a devastating recession that could be far more punishing and long lasting than initially feared – potentially lasting into next year, and even beyond. The pandemic is a public health emergency and we all are trying to respond to the recommendations:  wash your hands, wear face masks, avoid large crowds, stockpile canned goods, and stay home. 

For families in West Baltimore these recommendations are hard to follow. SNAP benefits (food stamps) can’t be used to purchase non-food items such as soap, personal hygiene items, house cleaning supplies, or baby diapers & wipes. Many of the families served by Promise Heights piece together two or three part-time jobs to support their families -- jobs that can’t be done remotely, such as line-cooks, nurse’s aides, grocery store clerks. Some of these jobs are essential and some are just shuttered. Either way, families may be left with little or no resources to purchase items that will keep themselves and their homes safe during this public health crisis.

Our families need your help. Our staff has been working along-side partners to distribute food, educational learning packets, and information on resources. Promise Heights serves over 1,500 students and their families in Upton/Druid Heights. Please help us to continue to provide needed cleaning supplies and supportive services. Give today.

Gifts to Promise Heights at the University of Maryland School of Social Work are administered by the University of Maryland Baltimore Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization, and are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

WAYS TO SUPPORT PROMISE HEIGHTS

Gifts by check

Checks should be made payable to UMBF/Promise Heights and mailed to The Office of Philanthropy Operations, 220 N. Arch Street, 13th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201

Online and recurring gifts

Make a gift online by visiting https://ssw.umaryland.edu/giving/PromiseHeights

Gifts by phone

Please contact Kathi Paradiso at 410-706-1021

IRA Charitable Distributions

Direct transfer from an IRA to UMBF (age 70 ½ or older). Contact your fund administrator and the Office of Planned Giving (plannedgiving@umaryland.edu or 877-706-4406)

Gifts of Stock

Please contact Isabelle Garcia at 410-706-0835 or Isabelle.garcia@ssw.umaryland.edu

Matching Gifts

Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match any charitable contributions made by their employees. To see if your employer participates, visit: www.matchinggifts.com/umaryland