With help from the DC Charter School Alliance, we’re sharing a list of resources for community members affected by the government shutdown, including the pause in SNAP and EBT benefits. Below, you’ll find places that can help with food, mental health, housing, financial assistance, and job support.
Food/ Basic Needs Resources
Capital Area Food Bank: The Capital Area Food Bank provides free food distribution for residents through mobile markets and pantry partners across the region. To support the government shutdown, the food bank is holding additional food distributions. Food distribution locations can be found using an interactive map. Learn more here.
The DC Food Project also has a list of food distribution and meal sites here by Ward.
Bread for the City: provides food, clothing, legal, social services, and healthcare assistance to DC residents. Learn more about their services here.
SOME: provides an array of services to residents in need of immediate assistance with basic needs, food, healthcare, and job training. Learn more here.
DC Thrive: This organization provides those in need with an array of services like hot food, food pantries, hygiene needs and clothing. Some services are provided by appointment only. Learn more about their services here.
Martha’s Table: provides support to children, families and communities with healthy food via markets and McKenna’s Wagon, a no cost clothing boutique and diaper bank. They also serve the community by giving access to educational programs, family engagement and other economic mobility initiatives. Learn more about more here.
DC Central Kitchen: serves the community by providing nutritious meals and also offering culinary job training to individuals overcoming barriers. They promote healthier food options through their program Healthy Corners. Learn more about their array of services here.
Produce Plus Program: This resource provides locally grown, fresh fruits and vegetables to DC residents with limited access to fresh, healthy food. Requirements include being a DC resident, 16 years or older, and participating in or be eligible for one of the following programs, SNAP, WIC, TANF, CSFP, SSID, Medicaid. Learn more here.
Greater DC Diaper Bank: through collaboration with a network of social service partners the Diaper Bank provides essential baby products and feminine hygiene products to families. The bank also distributes larger items like car seats, cribs, and strollers to those in need through The Nursery Project. Learn more here.
Ward 4 Mutual Aid: provides food, diapers, and supplies to neighbors in Ward 4 — no questions asked, no strings attached. at Brightwood Park United Methodist Church. Learn more here.
Nineteenth Street Baptist Church Food Pantry: On Thursday, November 6th and Thursday, November 20th from 10 am to 1 pm, Nineteenth Street Baptist Church will hold a Food Pantry and Clothes Closet at 4606 16th St NW.
Emory Beacon of Light food pantry: Every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month at 9 a.m., supplies food to dozens of families across the community. Learn more here.
Gethsemane Baptist Church’s Food Pantry operates on Monday mornings from 10:30am to 12:30pm in Brightwood Park. For any questions about the food pantry, contact the church at 202-882-5836.
Mental Health Services
The Community Response Team (CRT) is a multidisciplinary direct service team that offers 24-hour services to communities (adults) experiencing psychiatric emergencies, trauma, or show signs of mental health and substance use disorders. To reach the Community Response Team any time call 202-673-6495 or visit: 35 K Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 . More information can be found here.
The ACCESS Hotline (988) The Access Helpline can activate mobile crisis teams to respond to adults and children who are experiencing a psychiatric or emotional crisis and are unable or unwilling to travel to receive behavioral health services. Those in need can call the Access Helpline to: get emergency psychiatric care, help with problem solving and determine whether to seek ongoing mental health services or other types of services. Contact 1 (888) 7 WE-HELP or 1-888-793-4357 or call, text, chat, deaf/HoH link here.
Support for the Unhoused / Housing Assistance
Short Term Family Housing Support: The Virginia Williams Family Resource Center (VWFRC) is located on the first floor of the DC Department of Human Services (DHS) headquarters, located at 64 New York Avenue NE. VWFRC is located at 64 New York Avenue, NE, and is open Monday–Thursday, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM, and Friday, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM. More information can be found here.
Utilities Assistance: There are a number of programs available to DC residents that provide financial assistance with paying utilities. Learn more about the array of programs available here.
Grant / Financial Support Resources
Housing/ Property Tax/ Utility Discount Programs; The Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) is committed to providing resources to support affected individuals during this difficult time. Linked here is a list of housing related tax-saving opportunities, services and assistance available to help federal employees experiencing transition.
Upcoming Events/ Workshops / Job Resources
Starting Over Career Workshop; This virtual workshop will be held Tuesday, October 28, 7pm-7:40pm. The topics will include career recovery, local resources and events. Register here to join! More information can be found here.
Job Resource Hub: The Talent Capital platform — https://talentcapital.ai/ — is DC’s new talent hub designed to help federal workers affected by layoffs connect with employment opportunities. The site brings together a coalition of employers, economic development organizations, workforce agencies, training providers, nonprofit partners, and civic leaders across the DMV region.