Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place

A grassroots, community-based organization that helps homeless men and women rebuild their lives, through street outreach, hospitality, free medical and psychiatric care, case management, transitional shelter and permanent supportive housing.

How do you help people in my community?

Do you remember the man you saw by the metro this morning on your way to work? You wanted to help but he looked unapproachable with his supermarket cart of belongings, his heavy clothing in warm weather, his mumbling and off-key gaze, and perhaps a faint odor of alcohol about him. Passersby occasionally give him money but you wonder what good it does.

You're right. It doesn't do much good. It doesn't solve the problem. CCH/FP has cards about the size of a business card, that we advise people to hand out instead of money. These tell where to go for meals, shelter, showers, social services and laundry facilities.

The best way to help most homeless individuals rebuild their lives is to build a trusting relationship with them, encouraging and finally convincing them to accept the help offered. This is best done within the framework and professional supervision of an organization such as CCH/FP. The story of Mr. E. is an example.

Mr. E. is well educated with a Ph.D. in engineering. He taught for many years both here and abroad. Schizophrenia rendered him unable to function and he lived alternately on the streets and in shelters both in DC and Florida for ten years. Nearly two years ago, CCH/FP outreach workers met him and began developing a trusting relationship with him. At first it was greeting him with a simple "Hi, how are you," and treating him with respect as an individual. He finally responded to conversation about the World Series. After one year, Mr. E. began coming into Friendship Place for coffee, perhaps a winter coat, and to talk. Finally, he was convinced to apply for social security benefits, which enabled his case manager to begin working on housing for him. After much negotiation, which involved Mr. E. fulfilling certain steps in treatment, he was able to move into an efficiency apartment, and he has thus far adjusted to it very successfully. Without intensive daily contact with his case manager, however, Mr. E. would not have been able to go into, or to remain in, housing due to his strong delusions. Continued daily contact enables Mr. E. to reconnect to his treatment plan, retain his dignity, and stay inside one more day.

CCH/FP actively seeks out homeless men and women living on neighborhood streets, building a trusting relationship over time; assisting them to access public benefits (many have long work histories); providing health care, addiction and mental health evaluation and counseling; and arranging referrals, long-term treatment, and rehabilitation services. CCH/FP supports the opening and operation of small congregation-based shelters in community settings. CCH/FP also develops and manages affordable, local, permanent housing and provides supportive services to our clients who live in these units. CCH/FP programs address the roots of homelessness, not just the symptoms.

Our mission is to help our homeless neighbors, or those in danger of becoming homeless, within and with the support of the community as much as possible, while respecting the needs of other neighbors. The successes of CCH/FP show what a community can do when it decides to make a difference

Why do you need my support?

We must raise all funds. No contribution is too small. The majority of our funding comes from individuals (23%), foundations (33%), government programs (25%), local congregations and businesses (8%).

Newly homeless persons continue to appear on our streets. As government funding to provide services for the homeless and mentally ill on the streets of Washington, DC continues to be cut (even in this time of national prosperity), private groups must struggle to meet the need. We must continue to help our less fortunate neighbors rebuild their lives.

We began as, and continue to be, a grassroots, community-based organization operating on the principle of neighbors helping neighbors. With professional staff, we work to solve within the community the long-term problems creating homeless neighbors and help them re-integrate into the community.

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

CCH/FP has yearly audits and prepares annual reports. A 50-member board of directors - each representing the local community, a local congregation or business - ensures our accountability. We are also accountable to our funders. Our successes show that your money is going into programs that work.

Can I Volunteer? How?

YES! Volunteers serve as mentors, financial advisors, receptionists, outreach assistants, and perform many other essential tasks. The time, skills, compassion and resources of volunteers are key to the success of CCH/FP. If you are interested in volunteering at the Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship, call the volunteer coordinator at (202) 364-1419 for more information.