Patricia needed help.

The Severn woman, who asked that her last name not be used, could barely pay the bills and couldn't afford to buy a mattress for her son.

"It's been a struggle to try to keep up with paying bills and things," she said. "It's been a difficult situation for me."

But after she called HOPE (He Opens Paths to Everyone) Inc., volunteers brought her a mattress and box spring set, a couch and even a Christmas tree for her two children.

"It made a big difference," she said.

HOPE operates out of warehouse units in Glen Burnie, where founders Leo and Diane...