About Us

Vanessa’s HEART (Human Equality And Resource Team), Inc. is a woman-led nonprofit organization dedicated to serving individuals and families in need throughout Baltimore City, Baltimore Co and other surrounding Maryland counties. Our mission has been to support underserved communities by providing essential resources, building meaningful relationships and collaborating with community partners to expand our reach and impact. We've fulfilled our mission through themed community giveback events, offering both stationary and mobile outreach to reach individuals experiencing homelessness, financial hardship and other challenging circumstances. Our stationary givebacks were typically held once every other month near St. Vincent de Paul Church and at the corners of Centre Street and Fallsway. We also partnered with organizations such as the Baltimore Rescue Mission to provide meals and distribute essential supplies. Through our mobile outreach, we've travelled throughout Baltimore City and surrounding counties to meet individuals where they are, including those living on the streets and residents of the Rosemont community.

Although our community service began in 2016, we took steps to expand our impact by applying for nonprofit status in August 2022. With the generosity of our supporters, we achieved 501(c)(3) status, strengthening our ability to secure resources, build partnerships and continue providing direct assistance to those in need. Our commitment now extends far beyond street outreach as well. Through the D.A.Y. Initiative, our initial partnership with Sussex Elementary School, a Baltimore County Community School, we provided school supplies and additional assistance to children in need. We've also added partnerships with other Baltimore County Community Schools such as Kenwood High and Middle River Middle which lead to additional partnerships with Chesapeake High, Deep Creek Elementary and Middle Schools through our Meals from the HEART free food delivery program. We've also worked alongside the Baltimore City Police Department’s Northern District to support community initiatives, including Adopt a Child for Christmas, Ride Along outreach and Warm Bags. These partnerships allow us to reach more individuals, support families and provide assistance to vulnerable members of our community in meaningful ways.

Our impact is reflected in the hundreds of individuals and families we have supported through the distribution of essential resources and direct community assistance. Our giveback efforts provide hot and cold meals, snacks, clothing, shoes, socks, undergarments, hygiene products, blankets, tents, hand warmers, gloves, hats and other necessities. By bringing these resources directly into underserved neighborhoods and communities, we help address immediate needs while reminding individuals that they are valued, supported and not forgotten. At Vanessa’s HEART, we measure our impact not only by the meals served and essential items distributed, but also by the relationships we build and the lives we touch. We believe everyone deserves compassion, dignity, love and respect, regardless of their circumstances. Our goal is to continue expanding our outreach, reaching more underserved communities and ensuring that individuals and families have access to resources and support when they need them most.