Last year, we announced that we would be offering a portion of our Men’s Shelter lot to courthouse employees that need a place to park. The income derived from the monthly parking fees will directly fuel the Mission’s recovery programs for our men, women, and children for years to come. Since then, courthouse employees have begun to reach out and register to park in the Bethesda Mission lot. In total, we expect to receive $70,000-$80,000 annually once all the spots are filled! 

As part of our Courthouse Parking Project, Bethesda Mission has completed paving and electrical improvements that promote safety and accessibility for courthouse employees, our visitors, and our staff. The next improvement is to replace the 15-year-old, 12-foot construction fence that surrounds the parking lot with a 4-foot-high, black chain-link fence, providing an attractive and fully secure physical barrier that keeps with the improvements in the area of the new federal courthouse.

The original construction fence was installed in 2005, when the old hotel was purchased and demolished by the Mission. It was kept for the renovation of the Men’s Shelter, which began in 2007. While the construction fence has served well as a rudimentary barrier, it is time to replace it. The purpose of the parking lot, for many years to come, will be to accommodate courthouse employees and provide safe and easy access for them as well as for our Men’s Shelter staff and visitors. The total cost for the demolition and the construction of a new fence is $20,000.

Thanks to you, we have been able to pay for the parking lot improvements that have already been completed. This fence is our next step in preparing it for its new purpose. Already, some funds have been allocated toward this installation. The money raised through our #iHeartHBG event, during which we partnered with local coffee shops, is being put toward this renovation. Along with several generous donations, we have been able to raise over $10,000. We’re halfway there! If you could assist with this need, you would be helping Bethesda Mission reach the men, women, and children that God brings through our doors for years to come. Thank you for your commitment to this House of Mercy!

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