Senator Shaneka Henson, Ward 2 City Aldermanic Candidate Ken Vincent, Among Those Present for Opening of "The Haven" on Clay Street in Annapolis

This week, Senator Shaneka Henson, Ward 2 Aldermanic Candidate Ken Vincent and other grassroots community leaders were among those who attended the opening of The Haven, an outreach program launched by College Creek Church, located at 36 Clay Street in Annapolis. The Haven operates as a "Community Living Room," providing diverse programs for all age groups, facilitated by the church and its community partners.

The Haven offers comprehensive programs, including community engagement initiatives such as packaged community meals distributed in collaboration with local organizations, a weekly Community Coffee Hour every Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and a monthly "Supper and a Story" event on the first Sunday of each month at 5 p.m. Additionally, the facility provides meeting space for community groups and essential shower and laundry services for individuals experiencing hardship. For youth, The Haven partners with organizations like Charting Careers, Book Buddies, and MEGA Inc. to offer mentorship, literacy, and developmental support. Adults and families can access resources through collaborations with the Clay Street CDC and Annapolis Benevolence Coalition, as well as financial literacy workshops offered by the City of Annapolis.

Commencing in Fall 2025, The Haven will offer shower and laundry services for unhoused individuals Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. These services do not require an application. For more information, contact College Creek Church. 

The Haven also serves as a point of contact for a network of Annapolis organizations offering direct aid and resources to the unhoused community, including the Light House Safe Harbor Resource Center, The Heritage Food Pantry, Annapolis Lighthouse Shelter, Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Coordinated Entry, and Arundel House of Hope Day Center.

"The Haven exists in our community as a place of refuge in the midst of the chaos of our world. It is a community living room and place where we are able to gather and fellowship and share our lives with one another," College Creek Church Pastor Isaac Vineyard said.  "We also offer free showers, laundry, produce, bread, ready to eat meals, wifi, and a computer lab. While normally the space is open to everyone, from 4-6pm it turns into a Youth Space for middle and high schoolers." 

Senator Shaneka Henson released the following statement: 

"Today we celebrated the grand opening of The Haven—a new space of peace, safety, and opportunity right here on Clay Street in Annapolis.

Huge thanks to Pastor Isaac Vineyard for his vision and dedication in bringing this project to life. I was proud to partner with College Creek Church and support a grant putting a vacant building back into use for the community.

The Haven truly is a “Community Living Room,” offering showers, free laundry, food distribution, and programs for all ages. With partners like Clay Street CDC, Charting Careers, MEGA Inc, Annapolis Benevolence Coalition, Book Buddies, and Loyola University, this is what collaboration looks like in action.

Clay Street is stronger because of it. #communitysupport #Old4thWard"

Aldermanic Candidate Ken Vincent released the following statement:

"It was an honor to be invited to the open house of The Haven at College Creek,36 Clay St! It was great to see the cooperation between various civic groups and neighborhood individuals. 

Huge thanks to Pastor Isaac Vineyard for his vision and dedication in bringing this project to life. I was proud to partner with College Creek Church and support a grant putting a vacant building back into use for the community.

The Haven truly is a “Community Living Room,” offering showers, free laundry, food distribution, and programs for all ages. With partners like Clay Street CDC, Charting Careers, MEGA Inc, Annapolis Benevolence Coalition, Book Buddies, and Loyola University, this is what collaboration looks like in action."

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