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DEARMK COMMUNITY
Over the past decade, I have often thought back to that moment as an auspicious metaphor for the work Miriam’s Kitchen was to undertake in shaking up systems and creating stronger and better ones for those experiencing homelessness Our society has built systems to maintain homelessness not to end it In executing the vision of ending chronic homelessness, we were trying to crack the systems that perpetuated homelessness by simply giving people the dignity and safety of housing without barriers. Those early years of executing this vision were full of conversations regarding the feasibility of ending chronic homelessness We proved through both local and national studies that it was cheaper to house people experiencing years of homelessness in a home of their own than to continue to pay for the shelters and emergency services. We educated policymakers and supporters about the true causes of chronic homelessness by reminding them that this problem was created by racism, economic instability, and a weak social safety net Additionally, we helped raise awareness regarding the need to seek economic justice on behalf of those who face long term physical and mental health issues I am beyond proud today to share that those conversations bore fruit as we now have a generational opportunity to end chronic homelessness in Washington, D C within the next two years This is an opportunity to obtain justice for thousands of Washingtonians across the decades Between 2021 and 2023, nearly 2,900 individuals experiencing homelessness will be housed There were 1,260 individuals counted as experiencing long term homelessness in D C in 2022, which is the lowest number since reporting started in 2005. This means that we can end chronic homelessness for everyone who is currently unhoused, and potentially for everyone who will come into homelessness during that time Ending chronic homelessness is worthy of enormous celebration, particularly at a time when societa problems seem unsolvable. We need your ongoing help to get us through the finish line to ensure that we have the staffing and other resources to connect individuals to housing and that vouchers are appropriately leveraged While our recent victories are cause for celebrat to recognize that this fight has not ended As such, we invite you once again to re co yourselves as our partners as we execute this next phase of our work In service, Scott B Schenkelberg President & CEO Miriam's Kitchen
On August 23, 2011, I was having our first meeting with advisors to discuss a strategy of how Miriam’s Kitchen could end long term homelessness in the Nation’s Capital A low rumble pervaded the room and stopped the conversation Moments later, we realized that it was an uncommon earthquake that, among other damage, cracked the Washington Monument and toppled the spires of the National Cathedral
We celebrated the full reopening of our dining room in June, welcoming our guests to eat in the dining room or take their meals to go Not only does this mean that our guests get to come inside from the elements, but it also helps our teams better present the programs to which guests have access, including choosing what food they’d like to be served that day
Like many organizations during the COVID 19 pandemic, Miriam’s Kitchen (MK) has ramped up efforts to keep our community healthy, safe, and informed This often means developing creative approaches to our programs and services to best serve our guests But MK reached an enormous achievement this spring when we were able to fully reopen our dining room for the first time since the pandemic began.
WELCOMEBACK!
When asked if this was a return to pre pandemic times, Executive Chef Cheryl Bell said that it’s more about establishing a new normal After opening the dining room in October so guests could use restrooms, receive social services and get to go meals, this is the next step forward in serving our “Reopening the dining room gives us y to serve our guests with the dignity they deserve,” she said ud that we have been able to reopen ng room and connect with our guests ore personal level than we have since pandemic began With the addition of new tables and chairs for our guests their meals, we have reimagined our m and made it shine more than ever! ur Kitchen and Social Services Teams so much credit for making this magic , and we are very excited to have our om open and available for those who uld like a hot meal or get the services they need
DININGROOM REOPENING
NDCHRONIC MELESSNESS FALL2022NEWSLETTER
Though MK’s PSH team is not directly linked to every resident of the building, every resident will have access to referrals, information, and assistance from staff in our office
ANOPPORTUNITYTOMAKENEWCONNECTIONSANDLIFE
“It is unfortunately common for seniors and residents who’ve been chronically unhoused t experience isolation, even before the pandemic,” says Clinical Director of Housing, Sara Taylor
“Developing community and authentic relationships and participating in meaningful and fun activities are crucial for so many of us, and this program gives our team a special chance to find out how Milestone residents want to connect and to help them realize those goals.”
Gloria is a Milestone Resident who arrived last November after experiencing homelessness After connecting with Miriam’s Kitchen, she was able to find housing. When we spoke to Gloria during the grand opening, she could hardly contain her thoughts of joy “I’m just so blessed to have a roof over my head I love the building, my case managers are nice, and they’ve set me up well. It’s nice to have a place
The Miriam’s Kitchen (MK) Resident Services Program offers introductory case management services and resident support groups to all the residents at Milestone Senior Residence Apartments, and it is managed on site by MK’s Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) team.
Rose, who was playing bingo with her friends Lee Lee and Mia, was very excited at the chance to connect with other residents in her building She moved into Milestone three year ago so that she and her husband could have more space to move around She was also excited about the chance to see her friends o a more regular basis
During the grand opening of the program in the Milestone community room last month, there was no shortage of laughter and activities as the MK team engaged with residents Games of bingo were being played, and art was being made, and a highly anticipated program was finally getting underway.
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LONGCHANGE MK RESIDENT SERVICES PROGRAM
The newly formed resident groups are based on different activities and interests, including weekly crafts, games, and music
Saturday, November 12, 2022: The Day after Veteran’s Day and the start of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week Want a training buddy? Join Team MK for lunchtime training runs on 9/21, 10/13, and 10/28 The Run 4 MK has existed in various iterations since 2016 and is inspired by Miriam's Kitchen’s late friend, former guest, and community leader, Waldon Adams As an avid runner, Waldon competed in over 80 races and led MK's running efforts which inspired countless others in the MK community This year, we bring the race home to D C and have partnered with Bishop's Events to make that happen It will occur along the historic and scenic C&O Canal abutting our Outreach Team's territory, and we’d love for you to get involved ·Sign up to run or walk there will be a 5K, 10K, and 500m Fun Run for the kids! Come, cheer, and celebrate the strides we’ve made and help us get to the finish line of ending chronic homelessness in D C ! ·Donate much needed funds and in kind items to help prepare our guests for the cold winter months ahead! Be a Sponsor and support our programs as they change lives and the community to where everyone has a safe place to call home! Type bit.ly/Run4MK in your web browser for more information. NOVEMBER12,2022 PAGE04 MKFALL2022NEWSLETTER “I cannot wait to lace up to support Run 4 MK again!!! This run helps me to share Miriam’s Kitchen’s mission with friends and coworkers so we can work together to change lives in our local community " Sean Wang, MK Volunteer SUPPORT THE !
VOLUNTEER WITHUS! INTERESTED INGETTING MOREINVOLVED WITHMK? Host a seasonal packing project or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich party! These are two volunteer opportunities that help us fill Ziploc bags with seasonal toiletries or peanut butter & jelly sandwiches for our Outreach Team to distribute to those experiencing homelessness. Offering travel sized essentials to those experiencing homelessness can greatly help our Outreach Team build trust, strengthen rapport, and get to know every single unsheltered individual throughout Miriam’s Kitchen’s 33 square mile catchment area We’ll facilitate the packing project and also provide an educational component for your group If you’re interested in learning more, please contact Nikki Jafari at nikki.jafari@miriamskitchen.org. Provide radical hospitality to our guests with indoor volunteer opportunities in the kitchen, dining room, and guest services Email volunteer@miriamskitchen org to learn more and get started! GETINVOLVEDWITHMK PAGE05 MKFALL2022NEWSLETTER
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The team at MK will be celebrating the achievements of our guests with a big fall festival! this event is closed to can partner with us our guests feel a sponsor donating to Rachel Glassman at rachel glassman@miriamskitchen org
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for more information HUNGER& HOMELESSNESS AWARENESSWEEK Miriam’sKitchenObserves HungerandHomelessness AwarenessWeek Stay tuned as we roll out a series of exciting, informational events during National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week! #HHAW PAGE06 MKFALL2022NEWSLETTER
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• Organize an in-kind packing project For more details, contact Nikki nikki.jafari@miriamskitchen.org.atWe’re excited to share FreeWill with you to provide our community with an online tool to write your legal will, at no personal cost Just as you’ve supported the future of Miriam’s Kitchen, now you can support your own future for free Take 20 minutes today to complete this important task and protect the people and causes you care about. Type bit.ly/MKFreeWill in your browser to learn more.
• Donate your birthday or holiday to Miriam’s Kitchen and change the lives of your neighbors.
What legacy would you like to leave in this world? If you want to leave your mark by creating a brighter, more equitable future where every person has a safe place to call home then consider: Naming Miriam's Kitchen as a beneficiary of your retirement plan, donor advised fund, life insurance policy, bank account, IRA, etc Making a gift to Miriam's Kitchen in your will or trust For your quick reference, our legal name is: Miriam's Kitchen Tax ID Number: 52 1331552 Incorporated in: 2401 Virginia Avenue, Washington, D C 20037 If you have already included Miriam’s Kitchen in your plans, it would be our honor to personally thank you Please contact Mei Powers (mei@miriamskitchen.org or 202 452 8926 x 228) for questions or additional information MKFALL2022NEWSLETTER
• Ask family and friends to sponsor your run with Miriam’s Kitchen on Saturday, November 12.
GIVEONLINE GIVEBY PHONE Please call us at: 202 452 8926 x 286. Please have your credit, debit, or electronic funds transfer information ready. Prefer to send a check? Please send all mail with checks to: Attn: Development Miriam’s Kitchen 2401 Virginia Ave, NW Washington, D C 20037 Save a stamp and give online by visiting miriamskitchen org/donate where you can easily make a donation, give in honor, or set up a monthly donation WAYSTOGIVE GIVEBYMAIL
Crypto & NFT Proceeds: Miriam’s Kitchen now accepts multiple cryptocurrencies through The Giving Block. Type bit.ly/MK-GiveCrypto in your web browser for more. Donate a gift of appreciated stock to avoid capital gains tax. Type bit.ly/MK-DonateStock in your web browser for more information. If you are 70 1/2 or over, you can make a gift to Miriam's Kitchen directly from your IRA--satisfying part or all of your required minimum distribution (RMD) for the year--with no tax due on the distribution.
CREATEYOURLEGACY
If you have set aside money for charitable giving through a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) account, your grant to Miriam’s Kitchen can make a big difference.
Matching Gifts: Did you know many employers will match charitable contributions or volunteer hours made by their employees? To find out if your company has a matching gift policy, please type bit.ly/MK-doublethedonation in your web browser.
Fundraise for Miriam’s Kitchen
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• Host a virtual in-kind drive.
OTHERWAYSTOGIVE
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