helping out

from 2022 Fagon Community Guide to Capitol Hill

our village

Trees For Capitol Hill fall planting. Photo: Elizabeth Nelson

VolunteeringV n e

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

The residents of Capitol Hill benefit from the tremendous number of community organizations that create art, build community and help those in need. But those community organizations can also benefit from the skill and talent Hill residents have to offer.

With increased need over the past year, many organizations are rebuilding their volunteer corps and

Capitol Hill on

Liz Gregg listens as Hill Havurah Rabbi Hannah Spiro speaks with Father William Gurnee of St. Joseph's Capitol Hill at the dedication of a new Little Pantry in Gregg's Seventh Street NE yard, Nov. 7, 2021. Photo: E. O’Gorek

A woman walks by a new Free Little Pantry on the 600 block of South Carolina Ave. SE, near the Southeast Library. Free Little Pantries have sprouted all over the Hill in the wake of the pandemic. Photo: E. O’Gorek

face increased demands with fewer staff. The Hill’s greatest asset has always been its people. Below, find ways you can help, or find other opportunities to give back or volunteer under Community Resources in this section of the Guide.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Since March 2020, DC nonprofit Serve Your City has served as the lead partner for Ward 6 Mutual Aid (W6MA), responding to the COVID-19 crisis by coordinating efforts among grassroots organizers, passionate volunteers and communitybased organizations that have been doing the work since long before the pandemic. With the motto, “We keep us safe,” the community provides food, supplies and assistance to neighbors in a wide variety of areas, from education, health and well-being to advocacy. Get information on how to help or make donations to the effort at ServeYourCityDC.org.

Build Community

About 85 percent of the services delivered to seniors by Capitol Hill Village (CHV, capitolhillvillage.org) and Waterfront Village (dcwaterfrontvillage.org) in Southwest are provided by volunteers, from driving and medical advocacy, to changing lightbulbs. Individuals and households are encouraged to visit the website for more information on how to get involved.

Support the Work

tol Hill Community Foundation (CHCF, www.capitolhillcommunityfoundation. com) supports activities, projects and organizations that enrich the lives of residents and celebrate the history of the Capitol Hill community. Funded entirely by annual donations from Capitol Hill residents and businesses, the Foundation proudly directs every dollar contributed to grants, more than $10 million since it was founded in 1989. All administrative costs are covered by the members of the Board of Directors.

Environment

A citywide urban forestry nonprofit established in 2001, Casey Trees restores, enhances, and protects DC’s tree canopy. They engage thousands of volunteers of all ages in planting and caring for trees in our neighborhoods. To get updates on community events and opportunities to take action, sign up for their weekly e-newsletter, the Leaflet, at caseytrees. org/getupdates.

Anacostia Riverkeeper (www.anacostiariverkeeper.org) works to restore and protect the Anacostia River and create opportunities for the community to connect to it. Volunteer, donate, report pollution, try catch-and-release fishing at Diamond Teague Park, and explore the river on a free River Explorer Boat Tour. u

Community Resources

BEAUTIFICATION / ENVIRONMENT

Anacostia Community Boathouse Association (ACBA) 1900 M St. SE anacostiaboathouse.org Dedicated to safe and environmentally responsible recreation on the Anacostia River, this thriving rowing and paddling sport center’s member organizations hold free Learn-to-Row and Learn-to-Paddle clinics as well as competitive and recreational programs for all ages and abilities.

Anacostia Riverkeeper 515 M St. SE, Ste. 218 202-863-0158, anacostiariverkeeper.org info@anacostiariverkeeper.org Anacostia Riverkeeper works to restore and protect the Anacostia River and create opportunities for the community to connect to it. Volunteer, donate, report pollution, try catch-and-release fishing at Diamond Teague Park, and explore the river on a free River Explorer Boat Tour.

Capitol Hill Garden Club capitolhillgardenclub.org Brings together people interested in gardening, landscaping and the environment. Members can enjoy lectures, demonstrations, workshops and tours, undertake community projects and contribute to garden and beautification projects in our neighborhood. Post COVID, meetings are held monthly at Northeast Library. See the calendar for online events and an application to join.

Casey Trees 3030 12th St. NE 202-833-4010, caseytrees.org A citywide urban forestry nonprofit established in 2001, Casey Trees restores, enhances, and protects DC’s tree canopy. They engage thousands of volunteers of all ages in planting and caring for trees in our neighborhoods. To get updates on community events and opportunities to take action, sign up for their weekly e-newsletter, the Leaflet, at caseytrees. org/getupdates.

Monique Johnson Anacostia River Center, Earth Conservation Corps 1520 First St. SE 202-479-4505 earthconservationcorps.org This organization engages neighborhood youth to reclaim the Anacostia River, providing them with leadership skills and environmental education to set them on a path to a career in conservation or science. Programs include school-based STEM programs/environmental education and service opportunities. Public programs include community volunteer days and Friday Night Fish lab during the summers.

Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) 3501 New York Ave. NE 202-544-8733, fona.org FONA is a nonprofit organization established to enhance support for the US National Arboretum. They focus on environmental preservation, plant research, preservation of urban green space, education and community outreach. Regular programs include the Washington Youth Garden, annual Garden Fair & Plant Sale, Dinner Under the Stars, and 5K fun runs in the spring and fall. To volunteer or to learn more, please complete the form found on their website or call 202-544-8733

Trees for Capitol Hill (TFCH) treesforcapitolhill.org 202-329-7864 mark@treesforcapitolhill.org TFCH is dedicated to restoring the tree canopy of the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Volunteers work to help renew, restore and refresh the diversity of trees that make Capitol Hill so pleasantly green. TFCH organizes a day of tree planting each year, typically the Saturday before Thanksgiving, and works closely with the DC Department of Urban Forestry for permitting and with neighbors for proper site selection.

BUSINESS & MERCHANT GROUPS

Barracks Row Main Street 507 Eighth St. SE 202-544-3188, barracksrow.org BRMS works to preserve and enhance Capitol Hill’s historic Eighth Street SE commercial corridor and to support its business community. Barracks Row Main Street operates an active façade improvement program. It also organizes festivals, a culinary crawl, promotions and celebrations throughout the year for merchants and residents of the area.

CHAMPS PO Box 15486 Wash., DC 20003 202-547-7788, capitolhill.org champs@capitolhill.org, tonyt@capitolhill.org As a local Chamber of Commerce, the Capitol Hill Association of Merchants and Professionals (CHAMPS) is a dynamic organization of business and community leaders dedicated to a strong economic environment for the Capitol Hill neighborhood. CHAMPS advocates, connects, and promotes Capitol Hill businesses.

Capitol Hill Business Improvement District (BID) 1451 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. Unit 1 202-842-3333, capitolhillbid.org The Capitol Hill BID is funded through an assessment on commercial property owners who are dedicated to keeping Capitol

The Capitol Hill BID’s Men in Blue march in the annual July 4 parade on Barracks Row. Photo: Andrew Lightman

Hill a clean and safe place to live, work and conduct business, while remaining a national and cultural tourist destination. The BID provides services that augment, not replace, services that the DC government provides. These include security, street cleaning, maintenance and graffiti removal; streetscape improvements, marketing and promotional services; as well as community outreach.

Capitol Riverfront BID capitolriverfront.org @CapitolRiverFront Capitol Riverfront is the District’s fastest growing neighborhood, located five blocks south of the US Capitol Building, situated between I-395 and the Anacostia River. New restaurants, retail, hotels, and residences are opening every month in Capitol Riverfront; and there is always something new to discover in Yards Park, Canal Park, and other open spaces of the community. The BID’s website and weekly Front Page News newsletter are direct lines to current events like drive-in movies, concerts, and fitness classes; as well as ongoing development including Buzzard Point and Phase II of The Yards. For more information and to subscribe to the weekly Front Page News e-blast, visit www.capitolriverfront.org.

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) 202-698-5253 easternmarket-dc.org/emcac The Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) is the District’s legislatively established body entrusted with advisory and oversight responsibilities for the operations, management and renovation of Eastern Market. It consists of representatives from community organizations, ANCs, the offices of District elected officials, vendors, merchants and professionals that do business on Capitol Hill. Public meetings are generally held on the last Wednesday of each month.

Eastern Market Main Street (EMMS) 700 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, 2nd Floor 202-853-9810 easternmarketmainstreet.org info@easternmarketmainstreet.org EMMS, a designated DC Main Streets program from the Department of Small and Local Business Development, supports small businesses and fosters a vibrant, neighborhood-serving corridor through public and private space improvements, capacity-building resources for small businesses, and events and campaigns.

H Street Main Street (HSMS) hstreet.org The main goal of HSMS is to support lasting, comprehensive revitalization in one of DC’s most historic neighborhoods. The annual H Street Festival is a widely anticipated and enjoyable event. A streetcar provides service between the Gallery Place/Chinatown metro and the Minnesota Avenue metro.

Southwest Business Improvement District (SWBID) 420 Fourth St. SW 202-618-3515, swbid.org The Southwest Business Improvement District (SWBID) works on public infrastructure, beautification, and programming throughout the neighborhood. The work of the SWBID is to make the community more connected, beautiful, and a catalyst for possibilities in which people and businesses thrive in a commonplace. The BID weaves together three distinct areas in the 500 acres south of the National Mall: Federal Center South, the Southwest neighborhood, and The Wharf development.

CHILDREN & YOUTH***

For Love of Children (FLOC) 1301 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-462-8686, floc.org Provides educational services beyond the classroom to help students succeed from first grade through college and career. 300 volunteers helped 600 students last year in the Neighborhood Tutoring Program, Scholars Program for grades 6-12 and the Outdoor Education Center where students experience kayaking, rock climbing, swimming at 10-day camp experiences.

Little Lights Urban Ministries 760 Seventh St. SE 202-548-4021, littlelights.org Little Lights is a non-profit Christian ministry organization dedicated to helping under-served kids, teens, adults and families on Capitol Hill and Southeast Washington, DC. With the help of more than 500 volunteers annually, Little Lights provides tutoring, mentoring and healthy meals for kids; internships for teens and young adults; job search assistance and job training for adults; and parenting classes, resources and diapers for families. They also manage a landscaping enterprise, the Clean Green Team, which does hundreds of jobs annually on the Hill. Visit the website to see how you can volunteer.

RealTalk DC 651 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-543-9355 whitman-walker.org/youth-services RealTalk DC is the main youth program of Whitman Walker, connecting youth 13-24 to free health resources, offering inclusive sexual education, HIV/STI and pregnancy testing and offering a safe place for selfexpression. There are regular game, trivia and movie nights. Youth Services are about education, prevention and helping youth understand health needs. Whit-

man Walker offers youth mental health services, youth and family support and support to youth managing HIV care. No appointment is needed. Regular hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday (except 6 p.m. second Friday of month).

Sasha Bruce Youthwork 741 8th St SE 202-675-9340, sashabruce.org Sasha Bruce supports children and youth aged 0 - 24 experiencing homelessness or at risk in DC and Prince George’s County. At the Barracks Row Drop-In Center, youth can access survival services (meals, showers, laundry and respite), counseling, after school programming, GED and workforce development, housing assistance, HIV/STI testing and family support. In addition to operating the DCs only emergency home for minors, Sasha Bruce has several specialized homes, including Reid House (90-day emergency housing), Thrive House (Rapid Rehousing), Olaiya’s Cradle (Parenting Youth and Babies and Behavioral Health Supportive Housing through PASSAGES. To learn more about programs or how to provide support visit the website or email info@sashabruce.org.

Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocated and Leaders (SMYAL) 410 Seventh St. SE 202-546-5940 smyal.org, supporterinfo@smyal.org SMYAL supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth in the DC metropolitan area. Through youth leadership, housing, and clinical services, SMYAL creates opportunities for LGBTQ youth to build self-confidence, develop critical life skills and engage their peers and community through service as well as safer sex outreach. For more information, email supporterinfo@smyal.org zations that enrich the lives of residents and celebrate the history of the Capitol Hill community. Funded entirely by annual donations from Capitol Hill residents and businesses, the Foundation proudly directs every dollar contributed to grants, more than $10 million since it was founded in 1989. CHCF has launched some major initiatives, including a thriving neighborhood history project, an awards program that honors individuals for distinguished service to the community and the Literary Feast, a series of literary-themed dinners that raises money for school initiatives. CHCF works with community partners in times of crisis.

HEALTH CARE

Capital Breast Care Center (CBCC) 1000 New Jersey Ave. SE 202-784-2700 capitalbreastcare.georgetown.edu cbcc@georgetown.edu The CBCC provides breast cancer screening services to women of the DC metropolitan area – regardless of the ability to pay – through clinical services such as exams and screening, community education workshops and research. CBCC relies on volunteers to help promote the health and wellness of DC women. Depending on the type of help you would like to offer, volunteers can work onsite or off-site, during regular office hours or on evenings or weekends. Capitol Hill Pregnancy Center 713 Maryland Ave. NE 202-546-1018 capitolhillpregnancycenter.org The faith-based center provides free pregnancy tests and information on parenting, adoption, abortion and birth control with medical needs referrals. The center also offers prenatal and parenting classes; holds parenting support meetings; and provides maternity clothes, baby clothes and equipment to those who need them. Donations of new or gently used infant and child items are always appreciated. CHPC offers many volunteer opportunities, from counseling and mentoring patients one-on-one and fundraising to sponsoring a baby shower or diaper drive, general office work and data entry. To sign up and find out more about the opportunities on offer, contact CHPC at 202-546-1018.

Library Support Groups (See page 48)

MUTUAL AID

Ward 6 Mutual Aid 202-683-9962 serveyourcity.com Since March 2020, Serve Your City has served as the lead partner for Ward 6 Mutual Aid (W6MA), responding to the COVID-19 crisis by coordinating efforts among grassroots organizers, passionate volunteers, and community-based orga-

CHRS marches in the July 4th Parade. Photo: A. Lightman

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Capitol Hill Community Foundation 419 East Capitol St. SE 202-544-1845 capitolhillcommunityfoundation.com info@capitolhillcommunityfoundation.org An all-volunteer organization, the CHCF supports activities, projects and organi-

fokpcivic@gmail.com, join on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kingmanparkdc or follow @FOKPcivic on Twitter

Near SE/SW Community Benefits Coordinating Council (CBCC) 400 I St. SW seswcbcc.org, info@seswcbcc.org CBCC is a nonprofit that brings together organizations and individuals living or working in ANC 6D, critiques redevelopment proposals as they emerge, and participates in negotiating ANC 6D community-benefits agreements. The mission is to pursue opportunities and mobilize stakeholders to strengthen schools, foster development of local business, and maximize diverse and affordable housing options.

Jim Guckert of Guerilla Gardeners DC works with Makeem McNair and Whyte Dawles, two youth from Sasha Bruce Youth Network, to plant rose bushes on Barracks Row.Photo: E. O’Gorek

nizations that have been doing the work since long before the pandemic. The community provides food, supplies and assistance to neighbors in a wide variety of areas, from education, health and wellbeing to advocacy. To volunteer or request support, email Ward6MutualAid@ gmail.com, or call Ward 6 Mutual Aid hotline from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. at 202-6839962. Make in-kind or financial donations by visiting ServeYourCityDC.com

NEIGHBORHOOD GROUPS

Eastern Market Metro Community Association (EMMCA) EMMCA promotes the civic interests and quality of life for residents who live near the Eastern Market Metro. This includes preserving the historic and aesthetic value of property, as well as presenting the views of EMMCA’s membership to government, public, private and other organizations. To subscribe to EMMCA MATTERS, send an email to marcihilt@aol.com North Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association (NLPNA) 202-543-3512 chrs.org/north-lincoln-park-neighborhood-association, elizabeth_knits@yahoo.com NLPNA sponsors youth activities, neighborhood beautification projects and community-building activities. The Buzz newsletter, which informs residents of important happenings in the neighborhood, is suspended during the pandemic but copies of past issues are available at chrs.org/north-lincoln-park-neighborhood-association

Southwest Action, swdcaction.com A group of SW residents who organize and advocate for a more equitable, antiracist, and environmentally sustainable neighborhood. Meetings are usually the first Sunday of the month. Email swdcaction@gmail.com for the time and location or link for the meeting.

Friends of Kingman Park Civic Association (FOKP) facebook.com/kingmanparkdc FOKP fosters community in the Kingman Park neighborhood of northeast DC. To join the FOKP listserv, please contact Southwest Neighborhood Assembly P.O. Box 70131 Washington, DC 20024 202-320-4414 swdc.org, thesouthwester.com An all-volunteer organization, SWNA sponsors issue-focused task forces that focus on emergency preparedness, education, youth, SW history, SW waterfront planning, transportation, parks & recreation and workforce development. SWNA hosts monthly community forums on the fourth Monday (except in July, August and December) at 7:00 p.m. to discuss topics of interest and concern to the community-at-large.

PRESERVATION, HISTORY & DEVELOPMENT

Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS) 420 Tenth St. SE, 202-543-0425 chrs.org, info@chrs.org IG: capitolHillRestorationDC FB: @CapHRS CHRS was founded in 1955, to promote, preserve, and enhance the historic neighborhood’s architectural and cultural assets. Due to the efforts of CHRS, Capitol Hill won designation as a historic district in 1976. CHRS continues to play a key role in maintaining the integrity and appeal of the neighborhood, a diverse community for over 200 years. CHRS provides guidance on historic preservation, zoning, large scale urban planning, traffic patterns, and environmental concerns. They also offer tours and free presentations on topics in home restoration and repair. Their website includes an event calendar, plus posts highlighting issues of interest to the community.

Congressional Cemetery Association 1801 E St. SE, 202-543-0539 congressionalcemetery.org staff@congressionalcemetery.org Established in 1807, the 35-acre Washington Parish Burial Ground is now the oldest national cemetery in the United States. The Association for the Preservation of Historic Congressional Cemetery maintains and operates the cemetery, relying on volunteers and donors to preserve the national historic landmark. Free guided tours operate most Saturdays at 11 a.m. April through to November. Open from dawn to dusk every day, the grounds are a popular place for Hill residents to come together and to walk their dogs within the fenced property.

Membership is required for dog-walking privileges. Fees go directly back to funding the preservation of the cemetery. Check the website for hours and events.

Ruth Ann Overbeck Capitol Hill History Project 419 East Capitol St. SE Capitolhillhistory.org info@CapitolHillHistory.org The Capitol Hill History Project gives our neighborhood a better knowledge of its past by collecting oral histories from longtime Capitol Hill residents and former residents, sponsoring lectures that explore the history of Capitol Hill and Washington, and promoting and publicizing its collection through its website, CapitolHillHistory.org. Contact them at OverbeckLecture@capitolhillhistory.org to receive email announcements of upcoming lectures. To recommend a neighbor to be interviewed or to volunteer your help, contact info@CapitolHillHistory.org.

SENIORS

AARP DC 100 M St. SE, Suite 650 1-866-555384, www.aarp.org/dc AARP DC provides local information, events and support in a wide variety of areas of interest and concern to District seniors. From educational seminars on health and well-being to courses in technology and driving, AARP DC works to advocate for and support seniors. Check out the list of events, seminars and services by visiting www.aarp.org/dc

Capitol Hill Village 1355 E St. SE 202-543-1778, capitolhillvillage.org Capitol Hill Village is a member-driven, volunteer-based neighborhood nonprofit created to give older adults living on Capitol Hill and those who care about them the tools and opportunities to experience elderhood as engaged and valued members of the community. Members can access a range of professional and volunteer services—such as tech support, yard work, transportation —as well as educational, social and wellness programs to connect with others who share interests. A care services team provides social workers who can help with hospital/rehab/home transitions, navigating long-term care options and more. All are welcome. Visit the website for more information on how to get involved or call the office at 202-5431778 or email info@capitolhillvillage.org

Waterfront Village 800 Maine Ave. SW, Unit 200 202-656-1834, dcwaterfrontvillage.org Waterfront Village is a neighborhoodbased membership organization of paid staff, volunteers, and vendors supporting older adults in Southwest DC and Navy Yard who wish to age in place. In addition, Waterfront Village offers a robust calendar of activities that offers at least one event per week. Check out the calendar, which also includes virtual events, at dcwaterfrontvillage.org.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Christ Episcopal Church Lunches 620 G St. SE, 202-547-9300 washingtonparish.org Christ Church offers a variety of outreach programs to help families and individuals of Capitol Hill, like making and distributing brown bag lunches for those in need and assisting with the Church of the Brethren Nutrition Program to provide more than 100 hot lunches a day. You can sign up to help at washingtonparish.org/ministries/outreach.

Everyone Home DC (formerly Capitol Hill Group Ministry) 415 2nd Street NE, 3rd Floor 202-544-0631, everyonehomedc.org Everyone Home DC supports the holistic needs of individuals and families at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness on Capitol Hill and across DC. Everyone Home DC engages thousands each year through its homelessness prevention, housing, day center, street and medical outreach and supportive services. To learn about the many ways to share your time and talents, visit www.everyonehomedc.org and follow @EveryoneHomeDC.

Food Pantry, Lutheran Church of the Reformation 212 East Capitol St. NE 202-543-4200, reformationdc.org The Food Pantry at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation has served neighbors for almost 30 years, distributing bags of groceries to families in need who live on Capitol Hill. Donations of food, time or money are appreciated. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Karen Carlson through the website, www.reformationdc.org/ in-the-community to learn more.

Our Daily Bread (ODB) Capitol Hill United Methodist Church 421 Seward Sq. SE, chumc.net/odb ODB is a food program hosted by CHUMC. Over the past several years, Christ Church—together with six other Capitol Hill churches and businesses—has donated food that provided hearty meals in CHUMC’s Parish Hall for 40-60 of our neighbors in need every Monday to Friday. In response to COVID, ODB was forced to pivot but has continued to feed people each weekday by pulling a wagon filled with food and beverages to housed and unhoused people in the neighborhood. You can help by volunteering or donating. For more information, contact Rob Farley at rfarley7@outlook.com.

Good Neighbors Capitol Hill 212 East Capitol St., NE goodneighborscapitolhill.org Good Neighbors Capitol Hill is a coalition of eight Capitol Hill congregations and unaffiliated friends working together since 2016 to provide refugee families in Prince George’s County with support such as funding , furnishings, tutoring and communications. Most of the families are interpreters and their families from Afghanistan along with a few families fleeing violence from Central America. If you have interest in joining a team of volunteers or donating to a fund for special needs to support these families, email info@goodneighborscapitolhill.org

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 301 A St. SE 202-543-0053, stmarks.net The St. Mark’s Outreach Program has made a commitment to work with nine different local programs providing meals and assistance to families and individuals in need. For instance, volunteers prepare sandwiches in support of the Sunday Supper program. Check the website for ways you can contribute. u