Keys for the Homeless Foundation, Inc

Each year, Holy Trinity Catholic Church honors non-profit organizations with financial awards for their commitment to the gospel mission of service.

From the very beginning, KEYS start began with a service project that engaged the youth of the parish in a service project to respond to a need for basic everyday supplies of toiletries in caring for the needs of the homeless. In 1998, parishioner, Valerie Johnson, Founding Director of KEYS, turned to members of the vast hospitality industry for donations to help with the project. Shoeboxes of bath amenities were collected, packaged and distributed to area service providers in the hopes that our contributions would share our genuine concern for others. Years later, as KEYS took ‘route’, time and time again, donations of gently used goods and supplies were shared with over 30 organizations providing homeless services in the Greater Washington, DC Metro Area. In 2001, as Director of Youth Ministry, Valerie coordinated a Blanket Drive by involving the students preparing for Confirmation. Over 25 families filled their cars and traveled to destinations across the city, delivering gently used goods donated by hoteliers in support of this effort. In 2004, it was time for KEYS to establish as a non-profit and begin anew. The recognition of service in the community by parishioners of Holy Trinity directly impacts our ability to ‘stay on the road’. The years pass and it is through contributions that keep on giving, that KEYS is able to share the heart of justice-- In 2006, a gift of $3,000 and a most generous award for $5,000. in 2007.

Our relationship with Holy Trinity is deeply cherished and we are deeply grateful so many in the parish community who continue to volunteer and give an awesome life and Spirit to sustain this mission.

If your church/religious, community or education institution is interested in finding out more about KEYS, leave a message on our message board and a KEYS staff member will surely return the ‘call’.