Welcome to the Just Homes Volunteer Resource Guide! This guide includes a non-exhaustive list of resources available across the District of Columbia. Please email Shiri Yadlin at shiri@districtchurch.org with any questions.
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Learn More
Emergency Shelter
Day Shelters
Housing Search Help
Rental Assistance & Security Deposit Assistance
Job Search/ Employment Resources
Clothing
Furniture
Home Ownership
Tenants Rights/ Legal Support
Documentation Assistance
Utility Payments
Food Assistance
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Emergency Shelter
DC's Shelter Hotline
Call anytime you want to know what shelters are open/closest to you. You can also call this number for outreach assistance if you encounter someone in need of transport to shelter during hypothermia or hyperthermia alerts. You can follow DC Department of Human Services to know when these alerts are in effect.
With individualized counseling, mentoring and day-to-day guidance, Carrie Simon House makes it possible for single mothers age 18-25 to advance or complete their schooling, attain steady employment and develop sound life-management and parenting skills.
Transitional housing is provided for up to two years. Each family is assigned to a unit with multiple bedrooms, in home appliances, and spaces for children to play. Here families work with a housing manager to ensure appropriate care for each family.
The Sanctuary: Emergency overnight respite for youth (age 12-24) who need safe housing immediately. The Sanctuary offers dinner, showers, and washers and dryers to clean clothes. Doors open at 6:00 pm at 2001 Mississippi Ave SE (Southern Ave-Green Line)
Safe Haven: CHW’s emergency housing program, provides single youth ages 18-24 a flexible 90-day program to get off the street and to provide them with a customized plan to get their lives back on track.
Rights of Passage: Long-term transitional housing program geared for youth 19-24 who are actively engaging in activities to get their lives back on track such as post-secondary education, employment, or GED prep in CHW Career Pathways program. During their stay, youth will engage in household management courses such as financial literacy, food wellness, and organization.
For emergency safe housing: 202-399-7093 (available 24/7)
Sasha Bruce offers both emergency and transitional housing for youth
Sasha Bruce House is a 24-hour short term shelter for youth aged 11-17
Email: vpayton@sashabruce.org
Phone: 202-546-4900
Address: 1022 Maryland Avenue NE, Washington DC 20002
Drop In Center offers access to a wide variety of resources
Hours: Monday to Friday 8am-6pm
Phone: 202-675-9340
Address: 741 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Project Safe Place provides safety and shelter to young people in immediate danger or in need of services. When young people access these sites, personnel at the location call SBY and provide a safe place for the young person to wait while SBY dispatches a trained counselor to pick up the youth. Young people are brought to the Sasha Bruce House shelter where they have access to all of SBY’s services.
701 Maryland Avenue NE, Washington DC 20002 (Union Station-Red line)
Transitional Housing Program offers apartment style living for families exiting city shelter. Residents receive services provided such as case management, life-skills education, and employment assistance
Email: nharris@sashabruce.org
Phone: 202-524-4344
Address: 4253 Barnaby Road, SE, Washington, DC 20032
Permanent Housing Program for families exiting city shelter (head of household 18-24). Families move to a two bedroom apartment and receive social services
Email: srobertson@sashabruce.org
Phone: 202-889-2102
Address: 1711 V Street, S.E. Washington, D.C. 20020
Olaiya's Cradle for single mothers age 18-24, transitional housing for up to 18 months, self referred
SOME offers safe and dignified affordable apartments for individuals and families, seniors, and veterans experiencing homelessness and/or poverty in the District
SOME’s housing programs combine safe, affordable, long-term housing with supportive services that help adults and children reach their full potential and empower them to lead increasingly independent lives
Supportive services include: employment services, job readiness activities, transportation, dental services, budget planning, counseling on home ownership options. Medical services, SOME place for kids, computer classes, community clubs
Main: 202-797-8806
NOTE: SOME’s intake line for family housing is currently closed
Catholic Charities offers low-barrier shelters for men and women. Intake is first come first served. Some of these shelters also act as hypothermia emergency shelters during the months of November-March.
The Center offers on-site support for individuals experiencing homelessness by providing a multitude of services within a single point of access.
Provides access to showers, laundry, restrooms, PPE, case management, restrooms, risk reduction facilities, healthcare, computer access, and more.
Monday through Friday, clients may utilize the Shelter Hotline’s free shuttle service to and from The Center. Morning drop offs begin prior to The Center opening at 9 a.m. at 13th & G streets NW
Address: 1313 New York Ave NW Washington, DC 20005
DC Doors offers a 24 hour drop in center that provides a hub of social services for young adults (ages 18-24). Their day program, Zoe's Doors is open 8am-4pm and offers a multitude of services such as housing, life skills workshops, workforce development, and physical and mental health support.
Virtual workshops include Housing Search Clinic (resources for searching for housing) and Inclusionary Zoning Orientation (to get in the IZ lottery pool -- an affordable housing lottery program)
This is the District of Columbia's free affordable housing listing and search engine, where you can find everything from accessible homes to affordable rental and for-sale homes. Users can also find helpful resources such as renter's rights information, assistance programs, and an affordability calculator.
Virginia Williams Family Resource Center
The central intake for DC’s coordinated homelessness assistance system for families with children. Every family at risk of or experiencing homelessness in the District of Columbia must register at Virginia Williams Resource Center before receiving housing and social services
Housing Resources provided by the DC Department of Human Services
920 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20014
Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM–4:00 PM and Friday, 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM
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Rental Assistance & Security Deposit Assistance
STAY DC
STAY DC is not longer accepting applicants. Tenants must be eligible for ERAP for assistance.
STAY DC is a financial assistance program for D.C. renters and housing providers who are looking for support to cover housing and utility expenses including back rent, future rent, and utility expenses.
ERAP helps DC residents earning less than 40% of the Area Median Income (AMI) pay overdue rent including late fees and court costs if they are facing eviction.
The program also supports security deposits and the first month's rent for residents moving into new homes.
The program is funded by the Department of Human Services and administered by community organizations. To apply, contact one of the community organizations:
Catholic Charities: Telephone intake occurs every Monday of the month. Phone lines are open from 10am-11am and we are able to accept the first 25 qualified applicants.
Catholic Charities helps with emergency rental assistance (ERAP) and part of that specifically continues
STAY DC is a financial assistance program for D.C. renters and housing providers who are looking for support to cover housing and utility expenses including back rent, future rent, and utility expenses.
ERAP helps DC residents earning less than 40% of the Area Median Income (AMI) pay overdue rent including late fees and court costs if they are facing eviction.
The program also supports security deposits and the first month's rent for residents moving into new homes.
The program is funded by the Department of Human Services and administered by community organizations. To apply, contact one of the community organizations:
Catholic Charities: Telephone intake occurs every Monday of the month. Phone lines are open from 10am-11am and we are able to accept the first 25 qualified applicants.
Jubilee Jobs provides professional, compassionate job placement into marketplace jobs for people eager and ready to work.
Job seekers must go to an orientation, then they will be set up with a job counselor. For orientation dates and up to date information visit: https://www.jubileejobs.org/job-seekers
Questions or info call 202-667-8970 or email info@jubileejobs.org
Volunteers provide one-to-one mentoring on a wide variety of job readiness topics, provide resume writing assistance, and help participants submit job applications online in the AimHire computer lab. They also help create job opportunities by reaching out to potential employers in the community.
Participants must attend an orientation to get started. Orientations are held online every Wednesday at 2 pm (excluding holidays). To join:
Dial 301-715-8592
Using Meeting ID number: 875 0534 6927
Passcode: 996427
To learn more or ask questions email jgradowski@friendshipplace.org or info@friendshipplace.org
This program offers job seekers individualized support, focused on skills and resources critical to securing stable employment and financial self-sufficiency. This support includes one-on-one job coaching, interactive workshops, and professional networking.
A Wider Circle also offers professional clothing to program participants
For information on participating in workforce development programs, individual job coaching, or to set up an appointment email workforcedevelopment@awidercircle.org
To set up an appointment to receive professional attire and accessories, email pdc@awidercircle.org.
In this program, unemployed and under-employed District residents are assisted with obtaining full-time or part-time employment. Participants are assigned to an Employment Specialist who works with them one-on-one to help them find a job that will be personally and financially fulfilling.
EBFSC also offers entrepreneurship training
For more information, contact the Program Manager Joe Wilson
Offers a variety of workforce development programs including; Job Readiness, Financial Literacy training, and Immigrant and Refugee Training and Employment
Email jobfairs@ccda.net or dilprasad.basnet@ccda.net for information
Call: (703)841-3830
Locations:
80 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22203
8247 Shoppers Square Manassas, VA 20110
100 Riverside Parkway Suite 135, Fredericksburg, VA22406
UPO’s Workforce Institute offers training for some of DC’s most in-demand vocational careers. They help clients search for jobs, prep for interview, and maintain jobs.
Training in building maintenance, electrical technician, commercial driver, EMT, Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Tourism, IT/Help Desk specialist,
To learn more or enroll in an upcoming training session, call 202-231-7933 or email wfitraining@upo.org
UPO’s Workforce Institute offers training for some of DC’s most in-demand vocational careers. They help clients search for jobs, prep for interview, and maintain jobs.
Training in building maintenance, electrical technician, commercial driver, EMT, culinary arts, hospitality and tourism, IT/help desk specialist, plumbing, child development associate, and more.
To learn more or enroll in an upcoming training session, call 202-231-7933 or email wfitraining@upo.org, or send a message at the bottom of this page
SOME’s clothing room offers clothing, shoes, accessories, and small home goods to those in need. Items are seasonally appropriate and provided free of charge. SOME also has a special room for children’s clothing and associated items.
Hygiene kits, containing soap, shampoo, lotion, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, razors, and feminine hygiene products, are available at the front desk at 7:30am Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
Adult Hours: 9:00am to 11:00am, Tuesdays and Thursdays, available in pre-made bags by size
Children Hours: All clothing hours will be adult hours during COVID-19
ID required for adults. A Social Security card or birth certificate must be presented per child receiving items (children do not need to be present).
Central Union Mission offers a clothing warehouse through their Family Ministry Center program. Participants can shop in the warehouse by appointment only.
Appointment days are Monday-Thursday beginning in May
Provides beds, dressers, tables, chairs, dishes, pots, pans, and other large and small home goods to families transitioning out of shelters, escaping domestic violence, or otherwise living without their basic need items.
NOTE: There is often a long waiting list for A Wider Circle, so families should get on the list as soon as they anticipate a need, if at all possible.
Call 301-608-3504 orr email welcomehome@awidercircle.org for assistance
The Family Ministry Center provides some basic household items when they have them available. As of July 2021, they only make appointments for clothing/household items pick up.
To make an appointment, call 202-745-7118, ext. 500 any Friday from 9:00am-11:00am
HPAP is a down payment assistance for low- and moderate-income DC residents who are first-time homebuyers
Applicants apply through community organizations listed at the website above. Each organization has an orientation and pre-purchase counseling process, so it is advisable to start this process several months before you hope to buy a home.
Housing Counseling Organizations
The following organizations provide some homeownership counseling, financial counseling, and other homebuyer education and prep workshops
Provides advice and representation in three main areas to DC residents living with low-incomes: housing law, family/ immigration law, public benefits law. Only open via phone during pandemic period.
Official DC Government office designed to advocate for tenants in DC. OTA provides in-house representation for tenants in certain cases, and refers other cases to pro bono or contracted legal service providers and attorneys.
Due to the COVID-19, the office is closed to walk-ins until further notice.
Legal Aid provides free legal assistance to individuals and families who have little or no income. Legal Aid can help regardless of your immigration status and disability. Assistance is also provided to those who do not speak English.
Due to COVID-19, the office is closed to walk-ins until further notice.
Areas of Law: Housing law, domestic violence/ family law, public benefits law, and consumer law.
To make an appointment, call 202-628-1161 or visit the above website
The Catholic Charities Legal Network provides pro bono legal services, giving clients general information, access to volunteer attorneys and law firms, as well as referrals to other appropriate legal service organizations.
Areas of Law: Consumer Debt/Bankruptcy, Employment, Family Law (including Child Custody and Domestic Violence), Landlord-Tenant/Housing Issues, Public Benefits (Social Security, Disability), Wills and Probate, Guardianship and Conservatorship.
Note: Catholic Charities cannot help with Immigration issues
To schedule an appointment, call the intake hotline at (202) 350-4305, (202) 772-4325 (En Español)
Network for Victim Recovery of DC empowers victims of all crimes to achieve survivor-defined justice through a collaborative continuum of advocacy, case management and legal services.
Visit the above website for the most up to date information on their services.
Offers free legal assistance to both unrepresented tenants and unrepresented small landlords who have residential housing disputes in the District of Columbia
Call 202-780-2575 between 9am-5pm Monday-Friday for assistance
Rising for Justice helps all D.C. residents who need legal representation in matters such as housing, criminal defense, civil protection order, immigration, and more. There is no cost to their services.
For same day assistance with Landlord-Tenant court, visit their office in the District Courthouse (Room 210, Building B, 510 4th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001, M-F 9-5:30)
NLSP offers free legal services and provides assistance to low-income families. Their services include assistance with housing, domestic violence, public benefits, barriers to employment, and helping with preparations for wills and advanced directives.
For intake: call (202)832-6577 anytime Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10am to 3pm.
The Transition Assistance Program (TAP), an outreach mission of the Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church, provides direct services to working and unemployed, often homeless individuals who come to the church for assistance. TAP helps people obtain identification documents (birth certificates and non-driver’s license IDs) needed for employment, short-term transportation assistance to verified new jobs, referrals, clothing, and food.
Hours: Tuesday 9am-12pm
For new clients, call 202-363-4817 on Tuesday mornings or email: TAPCCPC@gmail.com
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assists eligible low-income households with their heating and cooling energy costs, bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance, weatherization and energy-related home repairs. Eligible households may receive energy bill assistance between $250 and $1,800 as a one-time regular energy assistance benefit. This benefit is based on household size, total household income, heating source, and type of dwelling.
Income eligibility requirements and details on the above website
The Utility Discount Programs (UDP) assists low-income District residents reduce their utility costs. To qualify, your utility bills need to be in your name and you must meet income guidelines listed on the website above.
GWUL has partnerships with Pepco and DC Water to help low-income residents with bills.
For more information call call 202.427.4100 M-F, 9-5 or email utilities@gwul.org
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Food Assistance
So Others Might Eat (SOME)
Website - SOME’s Dining Room provides two hot, nutritious meals every day of the year to anyone who needs it. Sandwiches and fruit are available for guests to take with them after meals and guests who miss breakfast or lunch can visit the front desk at 71 O Street to see if there are bagged lunches available.
Call: 202-797-8806
Location: 71 O Street NW
Meal Distribution Hours: 7:30am to 9:00am
**COVID-19 Update: SOME's Dining Room is handing out breakfast/lunch to-go containers in the Dining Room parking lot between 7:30 and 9:00am (71 O Street, NW)
SOME’s food pantry offers non-perishable food items and fresh produce (when available) to those who need extra help to ensure that they and their families have enough to eat.
Hours: 11:30am Wednesdays and Fridays
Outside of those times, contact the front desk at 202.797.8806
ID required. Persons can receive pantry items twice each month
Miriam's Kitchen
Website - Miriam’s Kitchen serves 2 hot meals per day (breakfast and dinner) and provides case management services for people experiencing homelessness.
Call: 202-452-8926 x 234
Location: 2401 Virginia Ave, NW (at the corner of 24th and G Streets). The dining room is in the basement of Western Presbyterian Church.
Hours: Breakfast is served from 7:00-8:00 AM, Dinner is served from 4:00-5:00 PM
Proof of Address. For example, Recent rental receipt, DHS statement, current lease, or utility bill. If you live in shelter or with someone else, proof of access to cooking facilities is needed
Proof of spouse and/or dependents. For example, school records, medical bills, apartment lease, letter from DHS, or TANF papers (should have children’s names and parent’s current address)
Proof of age. For example, Driver’s license or non-driver’s ID, DHS ID, etc.
Proof of disability. SSI or SSDI statement or a signed letter from doctor on doctor’s letterhead
Proof of income. For example job check stub/receipt, letter from source of public benefits, copied check, SSI, SSDI or other fixed income statement
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Food Assistance
Martha’s Table
Website - Martha’s Table provides no cost groceries at the following locations/times
The Commons Lobby Market – 2375 Elvans Rd. SE Washington, DC 20020
Monday – Friday 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
DC Diaper Bank distribution: Monday 11 AM – 2 PM
The Maycroft Lobby Market – 1474 Columbia Rd Northwest, Washington DC 20009
Website- Martha’s Table also runs McKenna’s Wagon, a mobile soup kitchen, which rolls out 7 days a week, 365 days a year. It stops at the following locations and serves homemade soup, sandwiches, desserts, fresh fruit and refreshments.
This is a Child Care Voucher Program that helps eligible families who live in the District of Columbia pay for child care services. The program helps provide income eligible working families with access to quality, affordable child care that allows them to continue working and to contribute to the healthy, emotional and social development of the child. Families are required to cost- share on a sliding scale based on family size, income and number of children in care.
Apply for a voucher by creating an appointment at the Child Care Services Division (CCSD)
Limited walk- in visits for new applicants are on a “first come, first serve” basis: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, from 8:15 am -3:30 pm
All other applicants are scheduled for an appointment Tuesday- Friday from 8:15 am - 3:30 pm, and Wednesday, from 4:45 pm - 7:00 pm
Congress Heights Service Center: 4049 South Capitol Street SW, Washington, DC 20032
