SPOTLIGHT ON OUR MEMBERS
N STREET VILLAGE RENOVATES FLAGSHIP SPACE TO ENHANCE ITS SUPPORT FOR WOMEN EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS IN DC
N
Street Village, a Junior League of Washington (JLW) community partner, was founded in 1972 to supply what its founders perceived as a gap in coverage for women experiencing homelessness in the Washington, DC, area. More than four decades later, N Street Village remains committed to providing housing, food, wellness, and other support for unaccompanied women experiencing homelessness. While each of N Street Village’s five locations focuses on a discrete element of support, the flagship N Street Village location (at 1333 N Street NW) offers numerous resources to support basic needs. Amenities at this site include supportive housing, meals, clothing, showers, and laundry, as well as resources for health care, social support, and wellness. N Street Village’s commitment to the homeless does not stop, with a day center available 365 days per year. JLW has partnered with N Street Village for nearly 30 years. Twice a month, JLW volunteers prepare breakfast or lunch and serve meals as a group to N Street Village residents. JLW volunteers also chat with residents during the meal and lead them in an activity after meal service has concluded. Recent popular activities have included get-to-knowyou games and “paint-by-sticker” art projects. During the 2018–2019 year, N Street Village was selected as JLW Placement of the Year for updates to its programming and the impact provided by League volunteers. The flagship location, where JLW members volunteer, recently underwent substantial renovations, which renovated supportive housing units, expanded the day
22
Fall 2019
By Heather Mandelkehr
N Street Village’s renovated dining area provides a clean, bright, and inviting space for residents to enjoy meals and participate in activities coordinated by JLW volunteers. (Photo provided by N Street Village)
AMENITIES AT THIS SITE INCLUDE SUPPORTIVE HOUSING, MEALS, CLOTHING, SHOWERS, AND LAUNDRY, AS WELL AS RESOURCES FOR HEALTH CARE, SOCIAL SUPPORT, AND WELLNESS.