Sure, the spelling is a little different but you’ll remember this place called Project PLASE once you meet Karen Thomas and Tiana Samuels, who join Nestor at El Guapo in Catonsville to share the work being done to help folks get off the streets of Baltimore and onto a better life. We love the local stories of inspiration and “the helpers” during “A Cup Of Soup Or Bowl” Week.
Nestor Aparicio interviews Karen Thomas and Tiana Samuels from Project PLASE, an organization that has been helping the homeless since 1974. Project PLASE provides temporary and permanent housing, SSVF for veterans, and support services for individuals with addiction, mental health issues, and HIV. They house around 30-32 people per shelter and rely on donations for items like clothing, bedding, and food. Karen shares a success story of a transgender woman who overcame drug addiction and secured permanent housing with their help. They emphasize the need for volunteers and donations, especially during the winter months.
- [ ] @Nestor Aparicio – Bring donated clothing, food, or household items from Nestor’s home to Project PLASE and deliver them to the Wilkins Avenue location (coordinate drop-off with Project PLASE staff).
- [ ] Receive and coordinate acceptance of donated cooked meals and other donations for Project PLASE; provide intake instructions and schedule drop-offs using the provided cell number.
- [ ] Manage volunteer inquiries and scheduling for Project PLASE, including coordinating volunteers for the clothing closet, food pantry (Tuesdays 11–2 and Thursdays/Fridays), and client engagement activities.
Outline
Introduction and Segment Overview
- Nestor Aparicio introduces the segment, mentioning the Maryland crab cake tour and the Maryland lottery’s candy cane cash promotion.
- Nestor discusses the upcoming locations for the Maryland crab cake tour: Koco’s Pub, Pizza John’s in Essex, and Costas in Timonium.
- Nestor invites Karen and Tiana from Project PLASE to discuss their work in helping people off the streets.
- Nestor clarifies the name of the organization, Project PLASE, which stands for People Lacking Ample Shelter and Employment.
Overview of Project PLASE
- Tiana Samuels explains her role at Project PLASE, mentioning her responsibilities in volunteer coordination, community outreach, and social media marketing.
- Karen Thomas provides an overview of Project PLASE’s services, including temporary housing, permanent housing, SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families), and subsidized permanent housing.
- Karen mentions the locations of Project PLASE: 2636 Wilkins Avenue and 1814 Maryland Avenue, both close to downtown Baltimore.
- Nestor and Karen discuss the challenges of homelessness and the importance of word-of-mouth and social media in reaching out to those in need.
Services and Support at Project PLASE
- Karen explains the types of individuals Project PLASE serves, including those with addiction problems, mental health issues, and HIV.
- Project PLASE provides three meals a day, shelter, clothing, hygiene products, and personal bedding to its residents.
- Karen emphasizes the need for donations, including monetary donations, women’s and children’s clothing, and bedding for men.
- Tiana mentions the clothing closet and food pantry at Project PLASE, which are open twice a week for clients and the community.
Personal Stories and Impact
- Karen shares a story about a transgender woman who came to Project PLASE and overcame her addiction and homelessness with the help of the organization.
- The woman stayed at the shelter for about a year and a half, received permanent housing, and continues to receive support from Project PLASE.
- Karen highlights the importance of donations in helping individuals move into their own places and providing them with necessary items.
- Nestor and Karen discuss the emotional impact of helping people and the importance of providing a safe and supportive environment.
Volunteer Opportunities and Community Support
- Tiana encourages volunteers to engage with clients, play games, and help with the clothing closet and food pantry.
- Karen provides her contact information for donations and mentions the acceptance of cooked food as well.
- Nestor shares his personal experience with food insecurity and the importance of feeding people in need.
- Karen emphasizes the need for unrestricted donations and the impact of community support on Project PLASE’s ability to help individuals.
Conclusion and Contact Information
- Nestor thanks Karen and Tiana for their work and provides contact information for Project PLASE: 410-837-1400 and projectplace.org.
- Nestor mentions the various services provided by Project PLASE, including temporary shelter, permanent housing, and supportive services.
- Nestor concludes the segment by encouraging listeners to support Project PLASE and other organizations helping the homeless.
- Nestor transitions to the next segment, which will feature an animal story with his friend Aaron.
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