A Look at Five Housing Nonprofits in DC

• March 19, 2020

by Nena Perry-Brown

The coronavirus pandemic has created a lot of economic anxiety for renters and homeowners in the DC region, despite a moratorium on evictions, and has also illuminated the need for organizations that house people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.

In light of this, UrbanTurf is highlighting some of the many housing nonprofits working in DC*:

• Friendship Place is a DC area-based nonprofit which focuses on applying a "housing first" approach to ending homelessness. Their services include permanent supportive housing, veteran placement, case management, and transitional shelters; they also manage The Brooks, the replacement family shelter in Ward 3.
• Thrive DC is a supportive agency that provides everything from free daily meals to legal assistance for the homeless. The nonprofit also helps people find jobs and housing, connects people to substance abuse counseling, and provides a hub for people to do laundry, shower, and participate in enriching activities.
• Jubilee Housing is an advocacy organization that pursues a "justice housing" strategy, leveraging its own assets to develop affordable and permanent supportive housing for the homeless, returning citizens, and low-income families. The organization also provides support services for its clients and works extensively in Ward 1.
• House of Ruth primarily offers its services to women and families who have experienced domestic abuse, trauma, and homelessness. The organization promotes rapid rehousing and transitional housing and runs several group homes that include services like daycare and counseling.
• Community of Hope also provides rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing, while also emphasizing homelessness prevention. The organization runs a few temporary housing buildings and incorporates services like mentorship and job training.

The Department of Human Services's Virginia Williams Family Resource Center is a centralized referral agency for families who need shelter. The Department of Housing and Community Development also works with several community-based organizations that provide housing counseling services.

*This article does not constitute an endorsement. 

Thumbnail photo by Ted Eytan. 

This article originally published at https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/five-dc-housing-nonprofits/16615