Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Rainbow Place Shelter
Legal Name (if Different): Rainbow Place Shelter for Homeless Women Inc
Also Known As: Rainbow Place Shelter
Mailing Address: 215 West Montgomery Ave
City: Rockville
State: MD
Postal Code: 20850
Main Phone: (301) 762-1496
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.rainbowplace.org/
Employer ID Number: 47-5082306
Organization Tax Status: 501 (c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 2/20/26
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Young Adult Shelter
Project Description:

Since 1982, Rainbow Place Shelter has been a seasonal overnight shelter in Rockville serving adult women of all ages who are experiencing homelessness.

We are currently in the exciting process of expanding Rainbow’s mission to serve young adults 18-24 years of age, including the LGBTQ+ community, with year-round 24-hour emergency shelter and the support needed to transition out of homelessness. We will expand our operations through acquisition of a new facility, fundraising, expansion of services, and expanding outreach.

According to the Voices of Youth Count Survey conducted in 2016 and 2017 (the most recent full accounting), 1 in 10 young adults (ages 18-25) had experienced a form of homelessness in the previous 12 months. Montgomery County Public Schools reported in December 2025 that over 469 high school students were current experiencing housing instability. Over 100 of them were 18-21 years of age.

Young adults aged 18-24 who face homelessness lack stable support systems. They often have educational, financial, substance-use, or mental health challenges. In response to these needs, Rainbow’s young adult shelter will not only provide shelter and case management services, but also assist with GED preparation, workforce development, mental health counseling, addiction counseling, legal services, financial literacy, mentoring, and more. These services, provided through partnerships with organizations expert in their fields, will aid our guests in transitioning out of homelessness and thriving independent of the social service apparatus.

This shelter, the first of its kind in Montgomery County, MD, will change the trajectory of young lives.

Total Project Budget: $1,500,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): State of Maryland, Montgomery County MD Government, Rockville United CHurch, Greater Washington Community Foundation, Women’s Club of Chevy Chase,

Project Duration: 1 year to build
Geographical Area Served: Montgomery County MD
Age Group To Be Served: 18-24

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms
Contact First Name: Nina
Contact Last Name: Blecher
Contact Title: Director of Development
Contact Phone: 301-325-0669 (cell)
Contact Email: development@rainbowplace.org