Homeless Survival Guide

Emergency Shelters

Women’s Shelters

Bakhita Women’s Shelter
(Catholic Charities)
6010 Georgia Ave., NW
202-829-0420
7pm-7am

CCNV Federal City Shelter
425 2nd St., NW
202-602-0040
1,350 beds for adults
Intake daily 24 hours

Calvary Women’s Services
1217 Good Hope Rd., SE
202-678-2341 x200
45 beds for single women
No walk-ins

Harriet Tubman (DC General Cafeteria)
1910 Mass. Ave., SE Bldg. 27
202-795-9966
Single women
100 beds; showers; case management
7pm – 7am
Intake begins at 7pm

Pat Handy Place Shelter
1009 11th St. NW
202-733-5378
213 beds for women
4pm-7am

House of Ruth Madison Shelter
651 10th St., NE
202-667-7001 x320
39 beds
4:30pm-8:45am

Domestic Violence Shelters

My Sister’s Place
Call the DC Victims Hotline
1-844-443-5732

House of Ruth DV Hotline
202-667-7001 x515

District Alliance for Safe Housing (DASH)
202-462-3274
Provides support and placement for domestic violence victims.

Shelter for Migrants (Refugio para migrantes)

Office of Migrant Services Welcome Center
(Centro de Bienvenida)
2100 New York Ave., NE
202-699-4793
Open 24/7 (Abierto 24/7)
Can assist with meals, transportation, shelter if available. Puede asistir con comida, transporte, refugio si está disponible.

Shelters for Men

Central Union Mission
65 Massachusetts Ave., NW
202-745-7118
170 beds for adult men

CCNV Federal City Shelter
425 2nd St., NW
202-393-1909
Open 24/7

New York Avenue Men’s Emergency Shelter
1355 New York Ave., NE
202-832-2359
360 beds
7pm-7am

Walk-ins welcome

801 East Housing Assistance Center
801 East Building
2700 MLK Ave., SE
202-561-4014
396 emergency beds
7pm-7am
Shuttle service to downtown DC

Adam’s Place Shelter
2210 Adams Pl., NE
202-832-8317
150 beds
Shuttle services to downtown DC

Shelters/Resources for LGBTQ+

Wanda Alston House
LGBTQ youth (ages 18-24)
1377 R St., NW #200
202-465-8794

Living Life Alternative
400 50th St., SE
202-560-5457

DC Safe Haven
Programs for LGBTQ+
331 H St. NE
202-525-2652

DC Center for LGBTQ+ Community
1828 Wiltberger St., NW
202-682-2245
M-F 12-6pm & Sat 11am-3pm

Latin American Youth Center (LAYC)
Programs for LGBTQ+, immigrants, pregnant or parenting youth, transitional housing, and other services
202-768-7801
M–F 10am-6pm

Day Centers for Homeless Singles

Programs for Women

Bethany Women’s Center
Day program for adult women
1333 N St., NW
202- 939-2076
M-F 7:30am-4pm & Sat & Sun (& holidays) 9-4pm

Breakfast, lunch, showers, laundry, counseling, clothing, case management, residential programs and referrals to mental health and substance abuse programs.

Programs for Men

Father McKenna Center
Drop-in center for adult men
900 N. Capitol St., NW
202-842-1112
M-F 8am-4pm

Lunch served at 12pm; clothing distribution 1st and 3rd Tues.

Programs for All

Shirley’s Place Day Hospitality Center
1338 G St., SE
 202-544-3150
Intake: M-F 8am-4pm

Day program: computers, showers, laundry, and kitchen; referrals for emergency funds and rental assistance for Ward 6 residents.

Adams Place
2210 Adams Pl., NE
202-832-8317
M-F 7am-7pm

Lunch, showers, job search, laundry, case management.

Downtown Day Services Center
New York Avenue Presbyterian Church
1313 New York Ave., NW
202-383-8810
M-F 9am-5pm & Sat 10am-3pm

Meals, showers, laundry, bathrooms, housing services, harm reduction services, healthcare, computers, legal assistance, and job support.

Thrive DC
Drop-in center
1525 Newton St., NW
202-737-9311
Tues-Fri 10am-12pm & 1-3pm

Breakfast, social services, referrals, resume help, and showers.

Friendship Place
Drop-in center for men and women
4713 Wisconsin Ave., NW
202-364-1419
M, T, Th 9am-12pm & 1-4pm

Referrals to shelter, case management, medical and psychiatric cares.

Miriam’s Kitchen
Day program for men and women
2401 Virginia Ave., NW
202-452-8926 x1
M-F 7-11am & 4-5pm and all holidays

Breakfast & dinner, case management, art studio, clothing, toiletries.

Georgetown Ministries

1041 Wisconsin Ave., NW

202-338-8301

M-F 8am-3pm & Sat-Sun 8am-12pm

Offers case management, showers, laundry, computers, psychiatric care, clothing, and food.

HIPS

906 H St. NE

202-232-8150

M-F 11am-2pm

Harm reduction & substance use services, housing, showers, laundry, lunch.

Homeless Family Shelters

Virginia Williams Family Resource Center
920 Rhode Island Ave., NE
202-526-0017
Mon-Thurs 8:30am-4pm & Fri 8:30am-12pm

All families in need of emergency shelter must apply at this location.

During hypothermia season (November 1 to March 31) families can call UPO hotline at 202-399-7093 after 4pm and on weekends for eligibility and referral services.

Homeless Youth Shelters

Latin American Youth Center (LAYC)
3045 15th St., NW
202-768-7801
M-F 10am-6pm

Zoe’s Doors
900 Rhode Island Ave., NE
202-248-2098
Open 24/7

Sasha Bruce Youthwork
741 8th St., SE
202-675-9340; 202-547-7777
Open 24/7
Emergency shelter and other services for runaway and homeless youth.

Covenant House
2001 Mississippi Ave., SE; 511 Mellon St., SE
202-610-9600


Emergency shelter and other services for youth ages 12-24.

You may also contact National Runaway Safeline at 1-800-RUNAWAY or visit www.1800runaway.org; 24/7

Elizabeth House
200 5th St., NE
202-827-8854

Safe haven available for pregnant/mothers ages 17-24 and their infants.

SMYAL
410 7th St., SE
202-567-3166

Shelter and other services for LGBTQ+ youth.

Case Management

Miriam’s Kitchen
2401 Virginia Ave. NW
202-452-8926
7-11am & 4-5pm

Father McKenna Center
900 N. Capitol St., NW
202-842-1112

Thrive DC
1525 Newton St., NW
202-737-9311
T-F 10am-12pm & 1-3pm

Bread for the City
1525 7th St., NW
202-265-2400
Intake: Tu 9-11am, Th 1-3pm

1640 Good Hope Rd., SE
202-561-8587
Intake: M-Th 9-11:30am

Charlie’s Place
1830 Connecticut Ave., NW
202-232-2995 Tu, Th, & Sat 6:30-9:30am

Emergency Rental Assistance

ERAP
ERAP Funding for back rent or 1st month’s rent/security deposit. Apply at online at erap.dhs.dc.gov or call 202-507-6666.

ERAP application portal re-opened on November 20th, 2024 and closed, as all funds were exhausted.

The DC Council passed new legislation in October 2024 related to demonstrating eligibility for ERAP. Please visit the website for more information and required documents.

Meal Programs

Northwest

Charlie’s Place
1830 Connecticut Ave., NW
202-232-2995
Tu, Th, Sat 6:30-9:30am

Breakfast, social services, classes.

Martha’s Table
2114 14th St., NW
2375 Elvans Rd SE
202-328-6608

No cost mini market onsite, M-F 11am-4pm (can shop every 30 days).

Clothing: 2204 MLK Ave SE, 1st Sat of month 10am-2pm.

McKenna’s Wagon
New Jersey & I St NE; 5:15-5:40pm
17th & I St NW; 5:50pm

Miriam’s Kitchen
2401 Virginia Ave., NW
202-452-8926 x1
Meals: M–F 7–8am & 4-5pm

Thrive DC
1525 Newton St., NW
202- 737-9311
Breakfast & lunch M-F 8:30-9:30am (Th is take-out only)

Food pantry on Th 10am-1pm.
4 pm-7 am

SOME (under renovation)
75 Hanover Pl., NW
202-797-8806
Takeout breakfast & lunch 7:30-8:30am

Offers showers, clothing (ID required), substance abuse program, job counseling, medical and dental clinic. Services still being provided at 60 O St NW.

Loaves and Fishes/St. Stephen’s

1525 Newton St., NW

202-232-0900

Lunch on Sat & Sun (& Mon holidays) 9am-12pm

Food pantry every Sat 9-11am

Open Table (Church of the Pilgrims)

2201 P St., NW

202-387-6612

Sun 1-1:30pm (Lunch)

Sacred Heart Dinner Program

3211 Sacred Heart Way (16th & Park Rd NW)

202-234-8000

M-Sat 4-5pm

Bread for the City

1525 7th St. NW

1700 Good Hope Rd. SE

202-265-4000

M-Th 10am-12pm & 1-3pm

Northeast

1st Baptist Church of Deanwood
4408 Sheriff Rd., NE
202- 396-0534
Sat 9am-12pm

Southeast

Our Lady of Perpetual Help
1600 Morris Rd., SE
202-678-4999
Food pantry on Th, 10:30am-12:30pm

North Capitol Collaborative
3230 Washington Ave., SE
202-588-1800
Food pantry every 2nd & 4th Thurs of month

D.C. residency required.

Episcopal Church of Atonement
5073 E Capitol St., SE
202-582-4200
Food pantry on Sat 9:30am-12:30pm & fresh produce every 2nd Tues of month, 12-1pm

Brighter Day Ministries
421 Alabama Ave., SE
202-889-3660
Food pantry on Wed, Th 11am-2pm

St. Benedict the Moor
320 21st St., NE
202-397-3895
Food pantry every 3rd Mon of month

D.C. ID required

Mt. Moriah Baptist Church
1636 E Capitol St., NE
202-544-5588
Food pantry & clothing closet every 4th Thurs of month

ID required

Capital Area Food Bank Hunger Lifeline

202-644-9807

Mon- Fri, 9am-5pm

Medical and Mental Health Care

Unity Health Care and Unity Health Van
6010 Georgia Ave., NW
202-469-4699 (scheduling line for all Unity sites)
202-276-3381 (mobile medical van)

Free health care for homeless individuals.

Clinica Del Pueblo
2831 15th St., NW
202-462-4788
M-Th 8:30am-5pm and Fri 1-5pm

Bilingual health care and mental health services for low-income individuals. Offers youth services, HIV/AIDS testing, substance abuse services.

Health Care for Homeless Veterans (the VA)
50 Irving St., NW
202-745-8500

Offers health services to homeless veterans.

National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
1-877-424-3838
24/7 free referral service

Enrollment in VA healthcare not required.

So Others Might Eat (SOME)
60 O St., NW
202-797-8806 x1041
Walk-in Hours: M-F 8-11am & 1-3pm

Bread for the City Medical Clinic
1525 7th St., NW
1700 Good Hope Rd., SE
202-386-7020
Open M-Th 8:30am-5pm & F 8:30am-12pm. Closed on Fri at SE Center

Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP)
202-673-9319
24/7 psychiatric services

Dep’t. of Behavioral Health Same Day Urgent Clinic
35 K St., NE
202-442-4202
Walk-in hours: 8:30am-3pm

DBH Access Helpline (for psychiatric emergencies)
1-888-793-4357

Substance Abuse Program

Assessment & Referral Center (ARC; detox)
75 P St., NE
202-727-8473
dbh.dc.gov
M-F 7am-6pm. (For same-day service, arrive before 3:30 pm)

Intake for detox programs; inpatient and outpatient treatment programs.

Clean & Sober Streets
425 2nd St., NW
202-783-7343

Long-term residential and outpatient treatment & counseling. Must have referral from ARC.

Andromeda Drug Abuse Program
1400 Decatur St., NW
202-292-4707
M-F 9am-5pm

Bilingual (Spanish) outpatient substance abuse treatment & counseling.

So Others Might Eat (SOME)
60 O St., NW
202-797-8806
M-F 9am-5pm

Outpatient substance abuse treatment & referrals to inpatient program for homeless individuals.

Neighbors Consejo
6323 Georgia Ave., NW, Suite 206
2041 MLK Jr Ave., SE
202-507-8486
M-F 9am-5pm

Inpatient and outpatient drug counseling, health care, translation services, and employment services for Latinos and immigrants.

Harbor Lights (Salvation Army)
2100 NY Ave., NE
202-269-6333
M-F 9am-5pm

Inpatient & outpatient treatment for adults. D.C. residents only, required referral from ARC.

Thrive DC
1525 Newton St., NW
Every Fri 10am-12pm (open to all and available in Spanish)

One-on-one counseling, case management, and treatment referrals.

Court Urgent Care Clinic
D.C. Superior Courthouse: 500 Indiana Ave NW, Suite 1230 (do not need to be court involved)
202-879-1620
Walk-in hours: M-F 9am-3:30pm

Short term behavioral health and substance use services.

Employment

D.C. Department of Employment Services (DOES)
4058 Minnesota Ave., NE
202724-7000
M-F 8:30am-4:30pm

Jubilee Jobs
2712 Ontario Rd., NW
202-667-8970
M-W 9am-1pm

Catholic Charities Job Training & Employment Services
924 G St., NW
202-772-4300

Offers ESL classes & various employment training.

Thrive DC
1525 Newton St., NW
Tue-F 10am-12pm & 1-3pm

SOME Center for Employment Training
4430 Benning Rd., NE
202-292-4460

Healthcare and building trades fields training.

CC Prep
3217 MLK Jr. Ave., SE
202-770-3252

GED & career certification

Ayuda
1990 K St., NW
202-387-4848
M-F 9am-12pm & 1-4pm

Immigration, domestic violence & family law.

Bread for the City
1700 Good Hope Rd., SE
1525 7th St., NW
202-265-2400
202-561-8587

M-Th 9am-5pm

Legal Aid for Housing, Public Benefits, Family, Immigration.

Washington Lawyers’ Committee Workers’ Rights Clinic
202-319-1000 x118
For Spanish: 202-319-1000 x123

Legal Aid DC
1331 H St., NW, Suite 350
2041 MLK Ave., SE, Suite 201
202-628-1161
Walk-ins at NW office: Tu & Th 12:30-4pm

Walk-ins at SE office: M & Th 10am-2:30pm

Family law, housing, access to public benefits, consumer issues, immigration, reentry, and appellate law.

Family Court Self-Help Center
500 Indiana Ave., NW, Room JM-570
202-879-0096
Walk-ins: M-F 8am-4:30pm

Free guidance for family law matters.

Neighborhood Legal Services
202-832-6577
Phone intake available MWF from 10am to 3pm
Walk-in intake Tu & Fri 10am-3pm at 64 New York Ave., NE

Family, Domestic Violence, Housing, Immigration, Public Benefits law.

Legal Counsel for the Elderly
202-434-2120

All DC residents 60+ years old and DC residents 55+ years old for Social Security Issues.

Rising for Justice
Housing: (202-638-4798)

Expungement: (202-607-2721)

Civil Protection Orders: (202-570-7441)

Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless
1200 U St., NW
202-328-5500

Public Benefits, Subsidized Housing & Tenant Rights, Shelter Complaints/Denials, Street Rights.

Tzedek DC
202-274-7386
Appointment only

Debt and consumer related legal issues.

Laundry

Thrive DC
1525 Newton St., NW
202-737-9311

Bethany Women’s Center
For women
1333 N St., NW
202-939-2077

Father McKenna Center
For men
900 N Capitol St., NW
202-842 -1112
First 6 men

M-Fri (show up by 7:30 to get on list)

Georgetown Ministries
1041 Wisconsin Ave., NW
202-338-8301
First 5 people
M-Fri 8am-3pm

Downtown Day Services Center
1313 New York Ave., NW
9am-5pm

Showers

So Others Might Eat (SOME)
75 Hanover Pl., NW
202-797-8806

Father McKenna Center
900 N. Capitol St., NW
202-842-1112
First 20 men
M-F 7:30-10:30am (Sign-up list becomes available at 7:30am)

Thrive DC
1525 Newton St., NW, Suite G1
202-737-9311
Appointment only
Men in AM & women in PM

Water Ministry at St. Columba’s Church
4201 Albemarle St., NW
202-363-4119
Tu, Th & Fri 10:30am-1pm

Downtown Daytime Services Center
1313 New York Ave., NW
202-363-4119
9am-5pm

Christ House
1717 Columbia Rd., NW
202-328-1100
M, T, Th, Fri: sign-up sheet available at 12:30pm

Must see doctor or social worker on-site first.

Georgetown Ministry Center
1041 Wisconsin Ave., NW
202-338- 8301
First 20 people

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