BALTIMORE, August 12, 2026 – Pratt House, a supportive housing community for people experiencing homelessness operated by VOA Chesapeake and Carolinas (VOACC), will now offer greater access to technology, educational resources, and employment opportunities with the opening of a new computer lab.
Made possible through the generosity of The Kahlert Foundation, the space includes 11 new computers, workstations and chairs, along with a complete renovation of the room.
For residents, the new lab represents more than a room filled with computers; it’s a new resource for pursuing jobs, attending appointments, accessing programs, and doing homework at home. Deaon Snells, a Pratt Street volunteer who helped create the building’s community room, says she and her children will greatly benefit from having access to computers. Linda Nelson, who works at the security desk, plans to use the computers for appointments. Javon Jackson hopes to use them to access program resources and conduct job searches.
“This project has brought so much to Pratt, not just for the residents but for us as employees,” said Brittaney Mullen, a VOACC peer recovery specialist who works with the residents at Pratt House. “It feels good to see something come to life that will help people change their lives. The residents are very excited about what’s to come from this computer lab.”
Pratt House is a partnership between VOACC and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Baltimore City Housing Authority, and the VOACC Hope Center, dedicated to helping families make a fresh start and achieve long-term independence. According to the Baltimore Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services 2026 Baltimore City Point-in-Time Count Report, the city has nearly 1,600 people residing in emergency shelters and transitional housing.
Since 2002, Pratt House has provided permanent supportive housing through 35 two- and three-bedroom apartments and onsite support services. The majority of families housed there are single mothers with children, many of whom have experienced domestic violence and trauma caused by homelessness. It is also one of the few programs in Baltimore that houses single fathers with children.
Pratt House is more than a home. Residents receive mental health services, job resource assistance, financial literacy training, health education, cooking and nutrition classes, and more, not only to help them move forward from traumas of the past, but to thrive in the long-term.
From left: Erin Cawthorne, Pratt House Manager; Ella Smothers, Pratt House resident; Darrin Mitchell, VOACC Vice President of Maryland; Candace Vanderwater, VOACC President and CEO; Greg Kahlert, President and CEO of The Kahlert Foundation; Ellen Myers, Vice President and Executive Director of The Kahlert Foundation; Scott Pitts, VOACC Senior Director of Housing Services, Maryland; Joe” Martinez-Williams, VOACC Director of Operations for the DC and Maryland regions; and VOACC Chaplain Jules Christian.
On August 12, the Pratt House and VOACC communities came together for a ribbon cutting ceremony to formally open the new space. VOACC President and CEO Candace Vanderwater, Vice President and Executive Director of The Kahlert Foundation Ellen Myers, and Pratt House resident Ella Smothers each spoke about the importance of the space and the impact it will have on this community.
“Our goal is to help our residents build the skills and tools they need to break the cycle of homelessness. This new Computer Lab was something that our residents requested, and we knew that it would play an important role in meeting that goal. This onsite computer lab will ensure digital inclusion for our residents, strengthening their computer literacy and moving them towards greater self-sufficiency. From employment readiness activities to schoolwork to applications for home ownership and more, residents will have the equipment they need here in the building.” – VOACC President and CEO Candace Vanderwater
“Today isn’t just about a room filled with computers. It’s the opening of new opportunities, new skills, and building brighter futures for the families we serve.” Ella Smothers, Pratt House resident
The ceremony was attended by Pratt House residents and partners from organizations including Fulton Bank, the Maryland Christian Chamber of Commerce, Shekinah Glory Ministry, Remnant of God Deliverance Ministry, Gates of Heaven Assembly of Churches, Emerge to Wellness, and Residential 1.
About VOA Chesapeake & Carolinas
VOA Chesapeake & Carolinas (VOACC) is an affiliate of VOA, a national nonprofit, faith-based organization, dedicated to helping people rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. As one of the organization’s largest affiliates, VOACC strategically designs and locally delivers evidence-based programs to meet communities’ most pressing needs across Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, and the Carolinas.
For 130 years, VOACC has put faith into action by providing compassionate human services to empower individuals and strengthen communities, aligning health, housing, and human services. We actively pursue health equity by filling the gap in housing and care for underserved populations, including those who are low-income, underinsured or uninsured, justice-involved, veterans, or experiencing homelessness. In 2025, VOACC served over 13,750 individuals across our region.