From Roots To Wings, Inc

From Roots To Wings, Inc, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, incorporated and governed under the laws of Maryland. We are not affiliated with any religious entity, and we do not ask those we serve, to adhere to any faith or philosophy. We were co-founded in October 2014, by Ron Pagano, JD and Jason Kramer, and began as a community organization, named Clint’s Cupboard, to honor a local homeless young man.

We are operated by an all-volunteer Board of Directors, Officers and Advisors. Our work is supported by generous donors, volunteers and foundations.

Our Vision

From Roots To Wings envisions ending homelessness, by providing basic necessities, caring support and training, as well as housing, counseling and other innovative programs, designed to empower homeless individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency.

Our Mission

Our Mission is twofold:

1. Provide basic necessities, such as food, clothing, toiletries, a smile and conversation; and

2. Create a plan to provide a permanent “Housing First” solution, with the ultimate goal of ending homelessness.

Beliefs & Values

From Roots To Wings operates with integrity, compassion, honesty, respect and professionalism, through positive and caring relationships, built with those we serve.

We believe in the principle that safe, secure, stable housing is a fundamental human right. Until we are able to accomplish that, our goal is to offer basic needs (food, clothing & toiletries).

We will never sacrifice our beliefs or values in the name of expediency, convenience or financial inadequacy. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or the use or abuse of alcohol or drugs.

Our all-volunteer organization has two goals within our Mission:

1. Provide basic necessities (food, clothing, toiletries & love) to our homeless friends;

2. Work on ways to provide housing alternatives for our homeless friends.

For our first goal, we have volunteers who go out into the community every Saturday morning. We find our homeless friends where they live…on the street and in the woods.  Once we make contact, we offer them a hot meal, clothing, toiletries and snack food, along with smiles, hugs and conversation.  If they have a medical issue, we provide them with referral information.

The items we distribute are donated by our supporters in the community. They have kept us going, week after week, for almost 3 years (November, 2014). Without their love and caring, we could not accomplish our Mission.

Our second goal involves our advocacy for a true Housing First solution. We have directed our efforts towards the city government and its leaders. In mid-2016, Mayor Jake Day announced that the City Council had allocated $75,000 to set up housing vouchers, enough for 10 homeless individuals to be placed in an apartment.  Recently, the City added 2 new openings, based upon its receipt of grant monies.

We are proud of our work thus far. We are making a difference in the lives we touch. We won’t rest until all our homeless friends are safely off the street or out of the woods. 

What we always need are volunteers who can prepare a meal (stew, soup, pasta, chili or similar dish), or ride along with us on a Saturday morning, distributing items to our homeless friends.  You will never forget the wonderful feeling of helping someone who truly needs it. 

Come find out what we do, how we do it, and how you can become part of it!