​In 1982, a group of women from the Rockville Presbyterian Church decided they wanted to reach out to the women experiencing homelessness in the City of Rockville. They decided they were up to the job of providing a warm, safe place to sleep for any woman who needed it during the winter months. In the first season, Rainbow Place guests were provided with an egg crate mattress on the floor, a hot cup of coffee, and greeted by cheerful and compassionate staff. In the second season, dinner began to be served each night. Over the years, our services have expanded and Rainbow Place has grown to become a vitally important and highly respected part of the local care-giving community.

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TODAY

Rainbow serves approximately 100 women each season. Many of the guests of Rainbow Place are newly experiencing homelessness within the past 12 months, but others have been experiencing homelessness for many years. While many are employed or receive public assistance, all of Rainbow's guests are considered to be at the lowest level of poverty, unable to afford a modest apartment for themselves or for their family. Rainbow Place serves as a gateway into the Continuum of Care for those experiencing homelessness in Montgomery County and partners with numerous agencies to meet the needs of the women who are served at the shelter.

Other than our director, Rainbow has an all part-time staff which is mostly seasonal. We appreciate the many committed volunteers who help with a variety of tasks year round. Volunteers are vital to ensure Rainbow Place can operate on its modest budget. We rely on organizations, groups, schools and individuals of all ages to support evening and daytime volunteer needs both on and off-site.