The District of Columbia recently announced a $1.7 million grant to open a Downtown Day Services Center (“The Center”) to serve individuals experiencing homelessness.
[Read the full press release here.]
The Center will be managed by the DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID), with social services provided by Pathways to Housing DC (Pathways), District agencies and other key partners.
Below we answer the most common questions regarding The Center.
Q: Where will The Center be located?
A: The Downtown Day Services Center will be housed at the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, located at 1313 New York Avenue NW.
Q: What will be the operating hours for The Center?
A: The Center will operate from 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, filling a gap in support by offering daytime services when city shelters are closed.
Q: What services will be provided at The Center?
A: Food, showers, laundry facilities, computers, social workers, behavioral health support, harm reduction services, transportation assistance, legal services, assistance with securing vital documents, employment support, housing assessments and more will be offered by a range of providers.
Q: Who will be responsible for managing and operating The Center?
A: The DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID) and its Director of Homeless Services Linda Kaufman will manage The Center.
Q: What is the purpose of The Center?
A: The Center employs a housing-first model, which has been proven successful and is supported by Mayor Muriel Bowser’s plan to end homelessness, Pathways to Housing DC and the BID.
Q: How can I get more information or get involved?
A: Contact the Director of Homeless Services Linda Kaufman at lindak@downtowndc.org
Q: What is the progress of The Center?
A: The Center is under construction and will open later this year.