A Sacred Network of Mutual Aid
Washington, D.C.
Resources & Refuge
"You are not alone. Whatever has brought you here, there is help across the District — from downtown to the wards east of the river. Shelter, food, healing, and hands ready to hold yours. Begin wherever you need to."
Immediate Help in Washington, D.C.
Find Help Now
Real, currently operating resources across the District. Choose a path below — each holds verified shelters, programs, and organizations ready to help today.
The Sanctuary
Emergency shelter and a safe place to rest across the District.
D.C. Shelter Hotline
Where: Citywide
Services: 24/7 referrals and transportation to shelter, plus blankets and clothing for people outside
Notes: The front door to shelter in D.C. Call any time, or dial 311. On hypothermia/hyperthermia alert days, the District must provide shelter.
Phone: 202-399-7093 (or 311)
Central Union Mission
Where: NW (near Union Station)
Services: Overnight shelter for men, with meals, showers, clothing, and recovery programs
Notes: Walk-ins generally accepted 4:00–6:00pm; arrive early as space is limited. Lunch 12:30pm, dinner 5:00pm — all welcome.
CCNV — Federal City Shelter
Where: NW (Downtown)
Services: One of the District's largest emergency shelters for adults, open 24/7
Notes: Community for Creative Non-Violence. Walk-in shelter with on-site services.
N Street Village
Where: NW
Services: Shelter and supportive services for women, plus the Bethany Women's Day Center (meals, basic needs)
Notes: Women only. Day center open daily 8am–4pm.
New York Avenue Men's Shelter
Where: NE
Services: Large overnight emergency shelter for men (360 beds), 7pm–7am
Notes: Walk-in or via the Shelter Hotline. One of the District's main low-barrier men's shelters.
Phone: 202-832-2359
Address: 1355 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
Virginia Williams Family Resource Center
Where: NE (Families)
Services: Central intake for families with children seeking emergency shelter and stabilization
Notes: Mon–Thu 8:30am–4pm, Fri 8:30am–12pm. After hours and weekends, families call the Shelter Hotline (202-399-7093).
Phone: 202-526-0017
Address: 64 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
No safe place tonight? Call the D.C. Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 (or 311) any time — they arrange shelter and transportation across the District.
Bread of Life
Food banks, free markets, and hot meals across the District.
Capital Area Food Bank
Where: Citywide (regional)
Services: The region's largest food bank, with 400+ partner pantries and free community markets; Hunger Lifeline and food finder
Notes: Use the online finder to locate food near you in D.C., Maryland, or Virginia.
Website: capitalareafoodbank.org
Bread for the City
Where: NW & SE
Services: Monthly groceries (your choice), free weekly farmers markets, clothing, plus medical, legal, and social services
Notes: SE pantry at 1700 Marion Barry Ave SE, Mon–Thu 9am–3pm. Bring ID and proof of household size.
Website: breadforthecity.org/food
So Others Might Eat (SOME)
Where: NW
Services: Free hot breakfast and lunch daily, plus medical, dental, and addiction services
Notes: Meals served Mon–Fri mornings. All are welcome.
Martha's Table
Where: NW & SE
Services: Free "shop your own bag" markets with fresh produce and groceries
Notes: 2114 14th St NW and 2375 Elvans Rd SE. No-cost markets, Mon–Fri 11am–4pm (every 30 days).
Phone: 202-328-6608
Website: marthastable.org
Miriam's Kitchen
Where: NW
Services: Chef-prepared breakfast and dinner, plus case management and housing help
Notes: Mon–Fri 7–11am & 4–5pm, and on holidays. Day program for men and women.
Phone: 202-452-8926
Address: 2401 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037
SNAP stretches further than any pantry — see The Providence to apply through District Direct, and you can use a shelter as your address.
The Healing Hand
Free and low-cost clinics, behavioral health, and care for people without stable housing.
Unity Health Care
Where: Citywide
Services: The District's largest community health network — primary care, dental, behavioral health, and healthcare for the homeless at clinics and shelters
Notes: Sliding scale; serves everyone regardless of insurance or housing status.
Website: unityhealthcare.org
Bread for the City Medical Clinic
Where: NW & SE
Services: A medical home for all ages regardless of ability to pay — primary care, dental, vision, behavioral health
Notes: Part of Bread for the City's wraparound services.
Website: breadforthecity.org
Christ House
Where: NW
Services: 24-hour medical respite care for men experiencing homelessness who are too sick to recover on the street
Notes: Referral and on-site assessment required. A place to heal.
DC Access HelpLine
Where: Citywide
Services: 24/7 behavioral-health line — mental health and substance-use support, referrals, and crisis response
Notes: Free and confidential. Can dispatch mobile crisis teams.
Phone: 1-888-793-4357
For a mental-health or substance-use crisis, call or text 988, or the DC Access HelpLine at 1-888-793-4357 — both free, confidential, 24/7.
The Haven
Safe places to shelter from extreme weather, plus guidance on the District's rights and rules.
Hypothermia & Hyperthermia Shelter
Where: Citywide (alert days)
Services: On freezing nights and dangerously hot days, the District activates emergency shelter for anyone who needs it
Notes: D.C. has a legal duty to shelter during weather alerts (hypothermia season Nov 1–Mar 31). Call 202-399-7093 for placement and transport.
Phone: 202-399-7093 (or 311)
Downtown Day Services Center
Where: NW (Downtown)
Services: Daytime refuge with meals, showers, laundry, restrooms, housing help, and healthcare
Notes: Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat 10am–3pm. At New York Avenue Presbyterian Church.
Phone: 202-383-8810
Address: 1313 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005
Camping & Encampments — Know Before You Stay
Where: Citywide
Services: Guidance on where it is and isn't legal to sleep outdoors in the District
Notes: Much D.C. land is federal (National Park Service); rules and clearances differ from District land and change often. Belongings should generally be stored, not destroyed. Ask outreach or the Washington Legal Clinic.
Phone: Legal Clinic 202-328-5500
If you have nowhere safe to go — especially in extreme heat or cold — call 202-399-7093. The District is required to shelter people on weather-alert days.
Living Waters
Showers, laundry, restrooms, and personal-care access through day centers.
Downtown Day Services Center
Where: NW (Downtown)
Services: Showers, laundry, restrooms, meals, mail, and housing/health services under one roof
Notes: Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat 10am–3pm. The District's central daytime hub.
Phone: 202-383-8810
Address: 1313 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005
Father McKenna Center
Where: NW
Services: Day program for men — showers, meals, hygiene, and case management
Notes: First 20 men, Mon–Fri 7:30–10:30am (sign-up list opens at 7:30am).
Phone: 202-842-1112
Address: 900 N. Capitol St NW, Washington, DC 20002
Adams Place Day Program
Where: NE
Services: Lunch, showers, laundry, job search help, and case management
Notes: Open Mon–Fri 7am–7pm.
Phone: 202-832-8317
Address: 2210 Adams Pl NE, Washington, DC 20018
Thrive DC
Where: NW (Columbia Heights)
Services: Drop-in center with meals, showers, laundry, a food pantry, and social services
Notes: Programs for men in the morning and women in the afternoon; call for current hours.
Phone: 202-737-9311
Address: 1525 Newton St NW, Washington, DC 20010
Hygiene and laundry access shifts by site and season. The Downtown Day Services Center and 211 keep the most current list near you.
The Guardian
Free civil legal aid — your rights around housing, eviction, benefits, and shelter.
Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless
Where: Citywide
Services: Free civil legal help for people experiencing homelessness — public benefits, subsidized housing, tenant rights, shelter denials, and "street rights"
Notes: If you are ever denied access to safe, accessible shelter, call them right away.
Phone: 202-328-5500
Website: legalclinic.org
Legal Aid DC
Where: Citywide
Services: Free civil legal services — housing and eviction defense, public benefits, family law, and consumer issues
Notes: The Legal Aid Society of D.C., serving low-income residents since 1932.
Website: legalaiddc.org
Bread for the City Legal Clinic
Where: NW & SE
Services: Free legal help with housing, public benefits, and family law
Notes: Call and leave a message describing your legal issue.
Phone: 202-386-7616
Website: breadforthecity.org
Legal Counsel for the Elderly
Where: Citywide (age 60+)
Services: Free legal advice and help for D.C. residents 60 and older — housing, benefits, consumer issues
Notes: AARP-affiliated legal hotline, available in English and Spanish.
Phone: 202-434-2120
Denied shelter, or facing eviction? Contact the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless (202-328-5500) — they specialize in protecting the rights of unhoused residents.
The Providence
Government benefits — food, health coverage, cash assistance, and emergency help.
DC DHS — District Direct
Where: Citywide
Services: Apply for SNAP (food), TANF (cash), and Medicaid in one place — online, by app, or at a service center
Notes: Public Benefits Call Center 202-727-5355, Mon–Fri 7:30am–4:45pm. You can use a shelter as your address.
Phone: 202-727-5355
Website: districtdirect.dc.gov
DC 211 Warmline
Where: Citywide
Services: The District's centralized hub for social-service resources and referrals
Notes: Dial 211 for help with food, housing, utilities, and more.
Phone: Dial 211
Website: 211warmline.dc.gov
Social Security Administration
Where: Citywide
Services: SSI and SSDI disability benefits, retirement, and survivor benefits
Notes: You can apply without a permanent address. Ask about expedited SSI if you're homeless.
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
Website: ssa.gov
Project Reconnect
Where: Citywide (single adults)
Services: Intake, shelter referrals, and diversion support for single adults facing imminent housing loss
Notes: Helps single adults find alternatives to shelter where possible. Ask via the Shelter Hotline or 211.
Phone: Dial 211
If your benefits are denied or wrongly cut, the Washington Legal Clinic and Legal Aid DC (see The Guardian) can help you appeal for free.
The Shepherd
Faith-based and community organizations offering food, shelter, and warm support.
Catholic Charities D.C.
Where: Citywide
Services: Shelters (Bakhita Women's, 801 East Men's, Mt. Carmel House), meals, family support, and immigration services
Notes: One of the District's largest providers. Help for people of all faiths.
Website: catholiccharitiesdc.org
Central Union Mission
Where: NW
Services: Christian shelter, meals, clothing, recovery programs, and family support
Notes: See The Sanctuary for shelter details. All are welcome.
Phone: 202-745-7118
Website: missiondc.org
So Others Might Eat (SOME)
Where: NW
Services: Meals, medical and dental care, addiction treatment, job training, and housing
Notes: An interfaith service organization serving the District since 1970.
Phone: 202-797-8806
Website: some.org
The Salvation Army National Capital Area
Where: Citywide
Services: Food, emergency assistance, shelter, and seasonal support
Notes: Multiple locations across the District. Find the nearest through 211.
Website: salvationarmynca.org
Many D.C. congregations quietly help neighbors beyond what's listed here. If you have a home church, ask — and 211 can connect you to faith-based aid near you.
Know Where You Stand
D.C. Rights & Laws
A plain-language look at the laws that affect people experiencing homelessness in the District.
The Right to Shelter in Extreme Weather
D.C. law gives people a right to shelter when the weather is dangerous. During hypothermia alerts (temperature, including wind chill, at or below 32°F) the District must provide shelter to anyone who needs it.
The same protection applies during summer hyperthermia alerts (heat at or above 95°F).
Call the Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 for placement and transportation. If you're turned away, contact the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless.
Shelter Denials & Your Rights
If you are denied access to safe, accessible shelter, you have the right to challenge it.
The Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless (202-328-5500) helps with shelter complaints, denials, public benefits, and "street rights."
Families seeking shelter apply through the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center, with after-hours access via the Shelter Hotline.
Benefits Without an Address
You do not need a permanent address to get SNAP or Medicaid in D.C. You can list a shelter, or have mail sent to a shelter or trusted contact.
Apply through District Direct, or call the Public Benefits Call Center at 202-727-5355. Homeless applicants may qualify for expedited food benefits.
Legal aid can help if your benefits are wrongly denied or cut.
Tenant Protections & Encampments
D.C. has some of the nation's strongest tenant protections. A landlord cannot evict you without a court process.
- "Self-help" evictions (lockouts) are illegal
- Tenants have purchase rights when a building is sold (TOPA)
- Much D.C. land is federal — encampment rules differ by agency
- Belongings taken in a cleanup should be stored, not destroyed
Across the District
Help by Area
Resources reach across all eight wards. Here's where to start in each part of the District.
Downtown & Northwest
Wards 1, 2 & 3
Central Union Mission, the Downtown Day Services Center, N Street Village, Miriam's Kitchen, SOME, and Bread for the City NW.
Start: Shelter Hotline 202-399-7093 or dial 211.
Northeast
Wards 5 & 6
New York Avenue Men's Shelter, Virginia Williams Family Resource Center, Father McKenna Center, and Adams Place day program.
Start: Shelter Hotline 202-399-7093.
Southeast & East of the River
Wards 7 & 8
Catholic Charities 801 East Men's Shelter, Calvary Women's Services, Martha's Table (Elvans Rd), Bread for the City SE, and DC Central Kitchen meal sites.
Start: Dial 211 or the Shelter Hotline.
Families with Children
Citywide
The Virginia Williams Family Resource Center is the central intake for families, with Catholic Charities and Community of Hope providing family housing.
Start: Virginia Williams FRC 202-526-0017.
Youth & LGBTQ+
Citywide
Sasha Bruce Youthwork, Covenant House Greater Washington, Wanda Alston House (LGBTQ+ youth), and SMYAL serve young people.
Start: Sasha Bruce 24/7 line 202-547-7777.
Citywide Lifelines
All Wards
The Shelter Hotline, Unity Health Care, Capital Area Food Bank, and the DC 211 Warmline reach every corner of the District.
Start: Dial 211 or 202-399-7093.
Pathways Forward
District Programs
Larger initiatives that move people from crisis toward stable housing.
Coordinated Entry & Project Reconnect
Through: The Community Partnership (TCP) & DHS
Helps with: Assessing your needs and matching you to shelter and housing; Project Reconnect helps single adults find alternatives to shelter.
Start: Shelter Hotline 202-399-7093 or dial 211.
Permanent Supportive Housing & Rapid Re-Housing
Through: DC Department of Human Services
Helps with: Long-term housing with services for chronically homeless residents, and shorter-term rental help to exit shelter.
Start: Ask a shelter case manager or call 202-727-5355.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
Through: DC DHS & community partners
Helps with: Overdue rent, security deposits, and first month's rent to prevent eviction and homelessness.
Start: Dial 211 or contact a community-based ERAP provider.
Find Help Near You
Resource Map
An interactive map of D.C. resources is on its way as the Network grows.
Interactive Map — Coming Soon
Soon this map will plot shelters, food, clinics, hygiene sites, and day centers near your location across the District.
Until then, dial 211 or the Shelter Hotline (202-399-7093) for live help — or choose a ward to be pointed in the right direction.
The Network Grows
Angel Outreach in the District
Beyond these public resources, the Angel Network is preparing its own offerings for people in need across Washington, D.C.
Angel Offerings — Gathering
As angels gather and The Chalice fills, Hope & Grace will extend direct blessings, partner outreach, and community support to souls right here in the District.
These offerings will appear here as the Network grows. If you are in need today, please request a blessing — and lean on the verified resources above in the meantime.
You Are Not Alone
However You Arrived Here
Whether you need shelter tonight or hope to one day become an angel for someone else — there is a place for you in this Network.