About us

Southwest Emergency Services (SWES) is a Christian-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to help individuals and families in need by providing groceries, household items, clothing, and financial assistance to avoid eviction and electric/gas shutoffs. SWES was established more than 40 years ago and has its own building at the Arbutus United Methodist Church. SWES is managed by an all-volunteer board and staff and 98 percent of income goes directly to the clients in financial assistance. 

SWES was founded and is operated by a coalition of local churches. The SWES Board is comprised of representatives of these Member Churches that support SWES. Following is a list of current Member Churches:

Arbutus United Methodist Church

St. Augustine and Ascension Church

Christ the Solid Rock Baptist Church

Charlestown United Prostestant Church

Catholic Community at Relay

Catonsville United Methodist Church

Christ United Methodist Church

Grace Reformed Presbyterian Church

Halethorpe-Relay United Methodist Church

Church of the Holy Apostles and St. Stephens Church

Holy Nativity Lutheran Church

Landsdowne Christian Church

Our Lady of Angels Catholic Community at Charlestown

Landsdowne United Methodist Church

Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church

St. John’s Grace United Church of Christ

Halethorpe Community Church

Violetville United Methodist Church

Hope Presbyterian Church

‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

– Matthew 25: 37-40