Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services, Inc.

LARS was founded in 1987 by a group of local congregation leaders and community members who sought a consolidated approach to responding to those who came to their doors for food and financial help. Our Mission is to enable homeless and low-income people in Laurel who are in crisis to achieve stability and long-term self-sufficiency. Our Vision is a community that treats all people with dignity and helps everyone meet their basic needs.

We provide supportive services including financial help with rent and utilities, food assistance, and other basic needs services to thousands of Laurel households, annually. In addition, LARS operates a subsidized housing program, which gives families and individuals the stability they need to build better futures for themselves and for their families. Our recently launched Self-Sufficiency Program teaches skills that foster growth in the areas of personal finances, education, employment, and mental and physical well-being. Our goal is not only to alleviate the immediate crisis, but also to teach skills and habits that empower people to maintain financial stability and prevent future crises.