Programs
The Downtown Cluster of Congregations has established or assisted a host of programs to serve those who are without even the most basic necessities of life. For example:
The Downtown Cluster of Congregations has actively assisted a wide range of other programs - soup kitchens, community health care programs, shelters for battered women, and employment programs - by finding operating space, raising funds, or garnering volunteers and board members.
Homeless Services Unit
The Homeless Services Unit is a team of bi-lingual outreach workers providing emergency referrals and case management assistance to the street homeless of the nation's capital. The goal of the program is to help break the cycle of homelessness for each individual and family.
The homeless tragically suffer from extraordinary rates of TB, HIV/AIDS infections, and hypothermia as well as being victimized by violent street crime. The city's human service cutbacks have resulted in more persons seeking aid than ever from member congregations.
The program provides over 1,000 persons annually with food, clothing, shelter, and healthcare referrals. Many of these persons are subsequently assisted with applying for training, treatment, benefits, and housing in order to address the root causes of their homelessness. Somehow despite being asked each year to do more with less, the outreach workers
- reconnect homeless persons with their families
- aid them to escape addiction
- re-gain their physical and mental well-being
- to find jobs and housing
Contact the Downtown Cluster of Congregations for further information.
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Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF)
WACIF is a low-income loan fund that has been substantially funded by congregations and their members. This fund, with over $2.5 million in assets, has made over 60 loans to low-income families, tenants' groups, congregations, and non-profit housing groups to assist in the purchase and rehabilitation of over 1,000 units of low-income housing across the metropolitan region.
It has made home ownership a reality for many working poor families who live pay check to pay check. In addition, it has made possible housing for families living with HIV/AIDS, and assisted groups serving the disabled, the elderly, and others faced with special needs.
Contact the Downtown Cluster of Congregations for further information.
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