Washington DC Catholic Charities assistance programs.
A diverse number of assistance programs are available in Washington DC from Catholic Charities. The agency administers many of its resources through a program known as Family Services and from centers located across the city. Tens of thousands of individuals receive help every year, and they are assisted with everything from paying rent and utilities to food, referrals, and case management.
The first place people should turn to are the Catholic Charity Family Centers in Washington DC. These locations can help individuals deal with a short term emergency or crisis, while also directing people to case management and programs that can provide long term success. Volunteers and social workers can guide people. You can make an appointment to meet with a Catholic Charity case manager, or they also accept walk ins as well.
Dental Clinics are located across Washington DC. Two so called Spanish Catholic Centers and dental clinics provide the needy, low income, and uninsured in Washington DC with preventive and acute dental treatment. Primarily Latino and Hispanic patients are helped, but others can receive care.
Washington DC Catholic Charity Emergency Utility Bill and Rent Assistance Programs can help those faced with eviction or a shut off of their utilities. They administer several programs and the non-profit is able to work with individuals and families by helping provide funds for short-term financial assistance. Money can be used to pay overdue bills and rent.
Social workers will then work with the family to strengthen them and help them avoid the same crisis in the future. As just one example, The Southeast Family Center provides funding to qualified individuals through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). All DC residents who may face eviction can apply. Catholic Charities also offer referrals to many other District of Columbia rent and security deposit assistance programs.
SHARE Food Network provides groceries, food, and meals to about 10,000 families per month. The SHARE food boxes contain fresh and frozen vegetables, meat, starches, and dessert items. A recipient of this food box will receive about $45 of food, and it only costs them $20. A recipient will also need to do a little community service. People of all incomes and backgrounds can participate, and there are no restrictions.
Education and Employment for Adults with Disabilities and people with mental illness can receive help from Catholic Charities. One of them is the Kennedy Employment Program.
Medical Clinics are offered for the Latino immigrant community in Washington DC. The Spanish Catholic charity Centers operate two clinics, primarily serving the uninsured. They also offer other resources for the very low income, and can refer residents to free community clinics near them for adults or children too.
Emergency Shelters are operated with the District of Columbia and Catholic Charity. The centers are in high demand especially during the cold winter and hot summer months, and they are open to anyone in need. In order to find pickup locations, or to be shuttled by van to a shelter, dial 1-800-535-7252.
Transitional Housing Programs are for people who were evicted, homeless, and who need housing while they receive case management. Both families and single adults use the centers and it can help them gain independent living. There is also short term housing for the elderly in DC. Centers are located in Washington DC, and they provide intake and enrollment. Services usually come through referral. Each transitional housing program run by Catholic Charities has its own criteria.
Note that the programs and centers are not emergency shelters, however they are medium to long-term housing opportunities and they are run in combination with intensive case management support. For example, learn about job and employment training, credit counseling, and financial assistance resources. Mt. Carmel House is open for women, and Tenants Empowerment Network is the Family Center.
Archdiocesan Legal Network is a free, or pro bono legal service, for Washington DC clients of Catholic Charities. This program is involved in providing qualified clients with general information, access to law firms and volunteer attorneys, and can also offer referrals to other appropriate legal service organizations and non-profit agencies.
ome of what can be helped with include Consumer Debt/Bankruptcy, Landlord-Tenant/Housing Issues, Employment, Wills and Probate, Guardianship and Conservatorship, Family Law (including Child Custody and Domestic Violence) and also Government and Public Benefits such as Social Security and Disability.
Immigration Legal Services address the provision of foreign-born individuals and their families. Thousands of immigrants may be helped every year, and the services provided range from consultations to full representation. People of all background and ethnicities are represented, and if they need free or low cost legal assistance then the agency may be able to help. Catholic Charities also focuses on training lawyers to provide pro bono services, and workshops and group sessions can also help educate community groups on the latest immigration issues.
Catholic Charity Refugee Center provides employment service and case management to recent asylees and refugees who are living in DC as they seek to make a new start in the county. The center will also provide resources that aid clients in benefit enrollment, job searching, interviewing, workplace ESL classes and all facets of the employment process.
Job finding programs and employment training services are provided. Volunteers at some of the District of Columbia Centers assist clients with completing on-line job applications, help them compose resumes, and also assist people with searching for jobs. Another service is provided by staff and volunteers at the Refugee Center, which are job programs. Receive further assistance in completing on-line job applications and research.
The Spanish Catholic Center also provides support staff that can assist with interview preparation, resume building, and job searching for Latino immigrants in the Washington DC area.
Locations of Washington DC Catholic Charity centers
- 924 G Street Northwest, Washington DC, dial (202) 772-4300
- 1618 Monroe Street Northwest, Washington, (202) 939-2400
- 621 Rhode Island Avenue Northwest, Washington, (202) 939-0774
- 6010 Georgia Avenue Northwest, Washington DC, telephone (202) 829-1117
- 1355 New York Avenue Northeast, Washington DC, phone (202) 832-2359
- 220 Highview Place Southeast, Washington DC, (202) 574-3442
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