Diakonia

What Diakonia does

Diakonia, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered at 12747 Old Bridge Road in Ocean City, Maryland, that has provided emergency housing, food, clothing, and case management to homeless individuals, families, and veterans on Maryland's Lower Eastern Shore since 1972. It is the only comprehensive provider of these services in the tri-county region covering Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset Counties. Its core programs include an emergency overnight shelter, a food pantry and distribution center, individualized case management, homeless prevention, housing assistance, mobile outreach (including a Rapid Response Team), veteran-specific services delivered through the federal SSVF program, and SNAP screening and application assistance. A revenue-generating thrift store and donation center at 12507 Sunset Avenue, opened approximately a decade ago, sells donated goods to subsidize program operations.

The organization's business model is a hybrid of contributed revenue and government funding. Free services are funded through individual and corporate donations, federal grants (HUD, VA, USDA SNAP), state and local government contracts (including Worcester County), United Way of Lower Eastern Shore allocations, community foundation partnerships (Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore via the ShoreGives365 platform), and a high-volume calendar of special events such as the Turkey Trot 5K, Bingo for Hope at Ocean Downs Casino, golf tournaments, cornhole tournaments, Christmas programs, and corporate give-back nights. Online donations are processed through Network for Good, and the organization is currently running a "Give Hope" capital campaign to build a new Supportive Living Campus.

The organization is governed by a volunteer board of directors chaired by Brian Roberts and led operationally by Executive Director Ken Argot, supported by a small team of program coordinators covering emergency shelter, mobile outreach, food pantry/SNAP, and veteran services. Diakonia has no disclosed proprietary technology platform; its digital footprint consists of its website, email newsletter, Facebook page, and an online SNAP screening tool. No AI/ML capabilities, APIs, mobile applications, or data products are referenced in the source material.

Name

Diakonia

Legal name

Diakonia, Inc.

Website

https://diakoniaoc.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Diakonia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded 1972 and based in Ocean City, Maryland, that provides emergency shelter, food, case management, and veteran services as the only comprehensive homeless services provider across Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset Counties on Maryland's Lower Eastern Shore.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Homeless & Social Services

NAICS

Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services (6242), Community Housing Services (62422), Community Food Services (62421)

akta.pro primary industry

Emergency Shelter, Camp Management & Non-Food Items (NFI) (BPAGAAAC)

Keywords

• Homeless services
• Emergency shelter
• Food assistance
• Case management
• Thrift store

Headquarters

HQ city

Ocean City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual and Corporate Donations: Financial contributions from individuals, businesses, and civic groups constitute a primary revenue stream. Donations are accepted online, by mail, and through planned giving. Private donations help match grant funding requirements.
2. Government Grants and Contracts: Federal, state, and local government funding through grants and contracts for homeless services, veteran programs, and food assistance (including SNAP partnerships).
3. Thrift Store Revenue: The Diakonia Thrift Store sells donated clothing and household items, with proceeds directly funding homeless services programs. Store started approximately 10 years ago.
4. Community Foundation Partnerships: Partnership with Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore for the ShoreGives365 year-round donation platform, facilitating ongoing charitable giving.
5. Special Events Fundraising: Revenue from hosted fundraising events including Turkey Trot 5K, Bingo for Hope, golf tournaments, cornhole tournaments, and annual galas. Some events include ticket sales, sponsorships, and silent auctions.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Diakonia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides emergency shelter, food assistance, case management, homeless prevention, veteran services, and housing assistance to homeless individuals, families, and veterans on Maryland's Lower Eastern Shore. It also operates a thrift store and donation center whose proceeds fund its programs, and runs community food-share events in partnership with organizations such as the Maryland Food Bank.

Product overview

Diakonia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing comprehensive homeless services on Maryland's Lower Eastern Shore since 1972. The organization operates as a single unified service entity offering emergency shelter, food assistance through its Food Pantry, case management, homeless prevention, housing assistance, veteran services, and mobile outreach. A key revenue-generating component is the Diakonia Thrift Store. The organization is currently fundraising through a Supportive Living Campus Capital Campaign to expand its facilities and services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Emergency Housing/Shelter Emergency overnight shelter services for homeless men, women, families, and veterans on the Lower Eastern Shore, operated 24/7 at 12747 Old Bridge Road, Ocean City, MD.
• Food Pantry/Food Distribution Center

Quantifiable outcome

• Emergency shelter, food, clothing, and comprehensive case management for homeless individuals and families across Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset Counties

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Community Foundation of the Eastern ShorecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Foundation of the Eastern Shore powers the ShoreGives365 year-round donation platform, enabling Diakonia to receive ongoing charitable contributions. This platform partnership is a key component of Diakonia's fundraising infrastructure, providing a centralized channel for donor engagement throughout the year.
• Maryland Food BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaryland Food Bank partners with Diakonia for food distribution events and food share programs. Diakonia hosts periodic food distribution events in partnership with the Maryland Food Bank, providing fresh and shelf-stable food to food-insecure individuals and families in the region.
• Atlantic ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAtlantic Club in West Ocean City serves as a venue partner for food share and community resource events. Provides meeting space for Diakonia's food distribution events and community resource fairs, reaching individuals and families across the Lower Eastern Shore.
• Perdue FarmsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPerdue Farms partnered with Diakonia for the Christmas Food Bundle Giveaway, providing frozen chickens and ham along with other food items to ensure families could have a complete Christmas dinner.
• Crimson Coward Nashville Hot ChickenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMonthly give-back program where Crimson Coward donates 15% of all food and beverage purchases on the third Tuesday of each month to support Diakonia's mission. Ongoing partnership providing regular fundraising contributions.
• Contractors for a Cause (CFAC)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCFAC organized a Spring Social fundraiser at Vista Rooftop at the Fenwick Inn with proceeds benefiting Diakonia's Supportive Living Campus Capital Campaign. Trade contractor organization hosting fundraising events.
• Ocean Downs CasinominorGTM or Marketing PartnerVenue partner for the annual Bingo for Hope fundraising event. Ocean Downs Casino hosts the sold-out event supporting Diakonia's programs for individuals, families, and veterans.
• Taylor's Neighborhood RestaurantminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHosts annual Super Bowl Charity Party benefiting Diakonia, featuring food specials, happy hour pricing, and community supply drive for Diakonia's emergency shelter and food pantry.
• Bearded Men Society of Ocean CityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOrganizes cornhole tournament events benefiting Diakonia's Supportive Living Campus Capital Campaign. Partnership includes presenting sponsorships and event coordination at local venues.
• Sinepuxent Brewing CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVenue and partner for the Bearded Men Society Cornhole Tournament. Provides space for fundraising event with all proceeds benefiting Diakonia's Supportive Living Campus campaign.
• Ocean City Golf & Yacht ClubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVenue for the 1st Annual Cinco de Mayo Shootout golf tournament benefiting Diakonia's Supportive Living Campus. Presented by The Sterling Tavern and Bearded Men Society.
• Ocean Pines Golf ClubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-organizer of the 18th Annual Ernie Stiles' Bavarian Hops Golf Classic, which has raised over $36,000 for local charities including Diakonia and Worcester County Humane Society.
• Saltwater 75minorGTM or Marketing PartnerHosted the 3rd Annual Saltwater 75 Cornhole Tournament & Pig Roast fundraiser, featuring cornhole competition, pig roast, and drink specials benefiting Diakonia.
• Bird Dog TavernminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHosted the 'Back to the 80s' fundraiser event with live music, costume contest, and prizes benefiting Diakonia's mission of providing shelter, food, outreach, and hope.
• Beach Bum West-OminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOC Cigar Fest venue hosted by Beach Bum OC, Kylan Barn, and Senor Cigar's, with proceeds benefiting Diakonia's homeless services mission.
• Worcester County Humane SocietyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-beneficiary of the Bavarian Hops Golf Classic alongside Diakonia. Shared fundraising partnership with local nonprofit community.
• Memorable Edibles by MelissaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHosted the Christmas With Love Community Dinner providing free holiday meals to community members in need, in partnership with Diakonia's holiday assistance programs.
• Ayres United Methodist ChurchminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVenue partner for Christmas With Love Community Dinner pickup and delivery location in Pittsville, MD.
• Worcester County Library - Ocean City BranchminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVenue partner for the Be the Miracle Christmas Store, providing space for the free holiday shopping experience for low-income families.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Family Promise: National nonprofit focused on preventing and ending family homelessness through shelter, prevention, and re-housing programs. Comparable to Diakonia's family-focused shelter and homeless prevention services.
• Catholic Charities USA: Federated nonprofit network delivering emergency shelter, food pantries, case management, and veteran/family services. Closely mirrors Diakonia's integrated service model for vulnerable populations.
• The Salvation Army: Operates emergency shelters, food assistance, case management, and a national thrift store chain. Directly comparable to Diakonia across shelter, food, clothing, and thrift-store-funded homeless services.
• Goodwill Industries International: Operates thrift stores whose revenues fund job training and community programs, including housing and homeless services for vulnerable populations. Diakonia's thrift-store-funded mission follows the same hybrid retail/nonprofit model.
• Volunteers of America: National nonprofit providing emergency shelter, transitional and permanent supportive housing, veteran services (SSVF-like), and food assistance — directly comparable programmatic footprint to Diakonia.
• Feeding America: National hunger-relief network partnering with local food pantries; Diakonia's food pantry and Maryland Food Bank partnership mirror its regional food distribution model.

Others

• United Way Worldwide: Aggregator funder for local human-service nonprofits; Diakonia is both a grantee and community partner of United Way of Lower Eastern Shore, making this an ecosystem/funder peer rather than a direct service competitor.

Emerging players

• Habitat for Humanity International: Operates housing-focused programs including affordable home building and critical home repair; comparable to Diakonia's housing assistance and homeless prevention offerings, though narrower in shelter scope.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/diakoniaoc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/diakonia-inc-

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Diakonia