History & Vision

Helping Worcester County and the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland for 50 years!

Diakonia began in 1972, when the Mennonite Church determined the need for a boardwalk ministry in Ocean City, MD during the summer months. Homeless persons at that time were invited to stay with a group of supportive young adults at a local house on Old Bridge Road.

It wasn’t long before the group expanded their services to provide year-round emergency shelter services. Changing their name to Diakonia, a Greek word for “service to others,” they incorporated in 1987, having separated from the Mennonite Church.

While many community churches continue to support Diakonia, today much of their funding comes through federal, state, and local governments; as well as individual businesses, civic groups, and community foundations. Over the years Diakonia has witnessed its guests change from troubled and homeless youth to adults and entire families facing hardship.

 

Our Vision:

Diakonia Inc. is dedicated to help reinforce and rebuild critical foundations for those at risk of (or have already become) homeless.

By restoring hope through supportive assistance and subsequent agency, it is our hope, that we provide the critical help necessary to those in crisis; bringing about a change in their circumstances and transformation in their lives…one step at a time.

 

There are many ways that you can help Diakonia:

Food Donations: These still can be dropped off at Food Pantry/Shelter at 12747 Old Bridge Rd. You can call 410-213-0923 about any food donations you’d like to make. Financial Donations can be mailed to: P.O. BOX 613 Ocean City, MD 21842 or made online at the above website link.

Financial: Donations of money are always helpful and welcome. Private donations help match our grant funding, which is a requirement for grant applications. Financial donations also help meet the expenses of providing all of Diakonia’s programs.

You can click here to donate, which will take you to a secure website where you can donate online by credit card.

You can also mail checks to: P.O. Box 613 Ocean City, Md. 21842

Please be sure to include your name and address so that we can properly acknowledge your gift. If you provide an email, then we can keep you in touch with Diakonia.

 

Questions? Contact Us

Reach out to us with the form below or give us a call at 410-213-0923.

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