About us…

It’s a Blessing to be a Blessing was founded by Deirdre Norris, or more affectionately known in the community and by her “buddies” as Mama Dee.” Mama Dee began serving from her home and doing mobile feedings in 2012 and continued through July 25, 2020. She would partner with different churches to host community events such as Blessing Brunches, Cold Hands Warm Hearts, Spring Fling, and Back 2 School events in order to be able to bring the community together to fellowship, eat, and get their basic needs met. Mama Dee started the Blessing Table in April 2020 as a way to continue to help the community meet their basic needs during the pandamic. The Blessing Table was set up outside of her home where individuals could come daily to pick up bagged lunches, non-perishables, and hygiene products. With a desire, and demand, to expand, in 2020 she and her team were able to move It’s a Blessing from her home to John Wesley United Methodist Church, Rowe Hall on Potomac Street. Here the team was able to expand their blessing pantry and their clothing, hygiene, and household goods pantry as well as serve hot meals on a larger scale. It didn’t take long however for the team to outgrow this location as well. Then in 2022, another blessing presented itself and the team was able to move to St. Johns Lutheran Church educational building. Here they can continue to bless the community in an atmosphere of love and fellowship.

Our Mission

Inspiring our community to be a blessing by helping others.

Hagerstown has one of the most under served homeless communities in Maryland. To combat this adversity, It’s a Blessing seeks to nourish our neighbors at the most fundamental level with access to hot, delicious food options, a strong support network, and referrals to other resources including healthcare, housing and social assistance, job search and training resources, and transportation.