How to Help People Experiencing Homelessness in Washington, D.C.

As the new year begins, many residents of Washington, D.C., seek ways to increase their community involvement. Supporting individuals experiencing homelessness is a crucial area where contributions can make a significant difference. Here’s a guide to organizations and actions you can take to help.

Everyday Ways to Help

Simple, daily actions can provide immediate support:

• Save Important Numbers: Keep the D.C. Shelter hotline number – (202)-399-7093 or 311 – readily available. This connects individuals with shelter resources and you can utilize it if you encounter someone needing assistance, especially during extreme weather conditions, or if you are concerned for their safety.
• Respond to Direct Requests: If someone asks for money, food, water, or hygiene products and you are able, provide what they request. Recognize that individuals know their needs best; a specific item might be more helpful than a general offering.
• Donate When Possible: Many organizations accept both donations and volunteers. Cash donations are often the most versatile, but specific items are also frequently needed.

Mutual Aid Groups

Local mutual aid groups offer both volunteer and donation opportunities:

• Remora House: Provides food, clothing, and essential supplies to people experiencing homelessness in D.C., with regular outreach to those living outdoors.
• Ward 2 Mutual Aid: Offers various forms of support in the downtown area, including a warmline and campaigns focused on assisting those living outside.
• Food Not Bombs D.C.: Shares weekly free vegetarian and vegan meals with the community and provides assistance to individuals living on the streets.

Places to Volunteer

Numerous organizations in D.C. Rely on volunteers to deliver vital services:

• Bread for the City: Serves low-income D.C. Residents and families with food, clothing, and medical or legal assistance. They particularly seek volunteers who speak Spanish or Mandarin. https://www.breadforthecity.org/
• Catholic Charities: Supports individuals, families, and immigrants through meal programs, shelters, and family support. Volunteers can assist with meal preparation, clothing drives, or administrative tasks. https://www.catholiccharitiesdc.org/
• Community Family Life Services (CFLS): Provides holistic support to families and individuals experiencing homelessness, including childcare and educational programs. https://cflsdc.org/
• Central Union Mission: Primarily serves single adult men experiencing homelessness, offering food, shelter, and recovery programs. Volunteers as young as 12 (with adult supervision) can participate in meal service and donation sorting. https://missiondc.org/
• Charlie’s Place: Provides immediate relief and long-term resources for individuals experiencing homelessness. Volunteers can assist with meal preparation and organizing the clothing closet. https://charliesplace.org/
• Christ House: Offers medical care, meals, and social services to men experiencing homelessness. Volunteers can help with meal service and administrative support. https://christhouse.org/
• Friendship Place: Focuses on ending homelessness by connecting individuals with housing, employment, and support services. https://friendshipplace.org/
• Martha’s Table: Works to end childhood hunger and poverty in Washington, D.C., providing meals, education programs, and family support. https://marthastable.org/
• Miriam’s Kitchen: Helps people experiencing long-term homelessness in D.C. Volunteers serve meals, distribute supplies, and welcome guests. https://miriamskitchen.org/
• N Street Village: Supports women experiencing homelessness through housing, healthcare, meals, and job programs. https://nstreetvillage.org/
• Thrive DC: Provides meals, groceries, showers, laundry services, and case management. Volunteers help serve meals, distribute groceries, and organize donations. https://www.thrivedc.org/

By contributing time or resources to these organizations, individuals can play a vital role in addressing homelessness in Washington, D.C.