I’m not sure there’s a more or less likely place for a ministry dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty on the Eastern Shore. But Saint Martin’s Ministries is perfect where it is—a beacon of hope for the Eastern Shore’s impoverished.
Located on a 500-acre tract of farmland near Caroline County’s Ridgely, Saint Martin’s Ministries is home to twin Benedictine Sister’s missions: Saint Martin’s House, a transitional residence for homeless women and children and the Benedictine School, an educational living and learning environment for children and adults with special needs.
Established in 1982 by Benedictine Sister at St. Gertrude’s Monestary—also on the property—Saint Martin’s House can support 12 families within its three-unit complex, each unit offering shared kitchens, playrooms, and washer and dryers. It is the largest transitional residence on the Eastern Shore and families can stay up to two years as long as they stay committed to a program leading to self-sufficiency. They have helped more than 600 families rebuild their lives
Three years ago, the Spy visited Saint Martin’s to write about its endeavor to help the Eastern Shore’s homeless families. This year we went back to Saint Martin’s to better understand the context of their “Rounding Up the Arts” Annual Dinner and Auction fundraising gala held last Friday in Rock Hall.
“It’s the most important fundraiser of the year and we’re very, very happy with the results of our evening,” says Chief Executive Officer Jean F. Austin. “Last year’s “Speak Easy” theme was a great success and we hoped we’d at least get close to it. We did and we’re so we’re very happy about it.”
This year’s western theme attracted over 170 supporters and the Rock Hall Fire Department Chesapeake Room swarmed with a sea of cowboy hats, bandanas and boots. Aisles and walls of donated art were set up for a silent auction, guests writing down their bids for their favorites. Local artists contributed many fine pieces, as did local and regional establishments who offered dinner packages, trips, and resort stays. Saint Martin’s Board Members, and even founding member Sister Patricia, were “jailed” in good fun, and released for a contribution. Down-home fiddle music played to brave souls willing to line-dance.
To better grasp the scope of the Saint Martin’s mission, which also includes a food bank and Thrift Store, some of the numbers are revealing. Each month, 300 families in need—1000 people submerged under the poverty line—visit Saint Martin’s Food Pantry for needed groceries and hygiene items. Applicants are screened and given vouchers for provisions
Kent and Caroline counties, along with Dorchester, Wicomico and Somerset are included in the top ten Maryland counties suffering high poverty rates. Homelessness on the Eastern Shore is real and often becomes a political and social third rail. Recently, both Talbot and Queen Anne’s counties have faced uphill battles to address the need for transitional housing. In Maryland, upwards of 8,000 people are homeless with 24% of Marylands single-parent families that are below poverty.
Saint Martin’s plans further events ro help support the mission.
“I’d like to remind everyone that we have some important events coming up: an “An Empty Bowls”event to be held in our Barn, date to be announced, our Authors Lunch the first Saturday in March and a 5K run “Chase Off Poverty” here on the grounds at Saint Martin’s. Check our website, Austin says.
To find out more about Saint Martin’s go here. And keep up on their Facebook page.
Write a Letter to the Editor on this Article
We encourage readers to offer their point of view on this article by submitting the following form. Editing is sometimes necessary and is done at the discretion of the editorial staff.