FALL NEWSLETTER 2026
A MESSAGE FROM SCOTT Fall 2026 Newsletter Dear Friends, This summer, our nation marked 250 years since we declared that all people are created equal, with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That promise was bold in 1776, and it remains unfinished today. Franklin Roosevelt put it plainly: “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” By that test, our work is far from done. Here in Washington, just blocks from where the nation gathered to celebrate, people still sleep outside without the safety and dignity of a home. If we believe every person deserves the same opportunity for health and happiness, then ending chronic homelessness is not an act of charity. It is the work of keeping America’s promise. This summer also brought record-breaking heat and repeated Extreme Heat Alerts across the District. Thanks to you, Miriam’s Kitchen was there every day. We served nutritious meals, our street outreach team distributed water and cooling supplies, and our dining room offered relief, connection, and support to every neighbor who walked through the door. Responding to extreme weather is essential, but housing is the lasting solution. Every meal, every outreach visit, and every conversation with a case manager moves someone one step closer to the stability of a home. This season also opened an exciting new chapter as we welcomed Executive Chef Shamika Hamilton to Miriam’s Kitchen. Her passion for hospitality and her commitment to serving every guest with dignity are already enriching the experience in our dining room. Thank you for making this work possible. Together, we are building a Washington that lives up to its founding promise, where every neighbor has the foundation for health and happiness. With gratitude, Scott Schenkelberg
Studio is back in the MK Dining Room! We are delighted that our Studio program has started up again in the MK Dining Room. Thanks to funding from a special arts grant, we have hired local artist, Shannen Scott to facilitate the studio sessions. Every Monday, Shannen and volunteer, Ravyn Wright, set out supplies and guests eagerly join them to paint, bead, draw and express themselves. The impact has been tremendous. Participants had a lot to share about Studio and what it means to them. Tiffany Cogdell graduated from Duke Ellington School for the Arts
2
in 1995. There, she learned how to express herself through all the art mediums. “MK’s Studio helps me so much. I’m a better me because of it,” Tiffany shared. Sam Ross, better known as King Bling, was active in the Studio program for years. He really missed it during COVID and is so glad that it’s back. “I have peace of mind when I’m doing beads,” he said. Studio Facilitator, Shannen Scott, fully agreed on the impact of Studio. “Art saves lives. I had things going on that I couldn’t express in words, but art helped me get through it. That’s why I’m so glad we can support our guests and offer Studio again.”
MK FALL 2026 NEWSLETTER
ERIC GARRETT
Guest Story
For many years, Eric Garrett was living the dream. He had a good job and a loving family. But then tragedy struck. Eric’s 16-year-old son was murdered and six months later, his mom died. “Everything went downhill after that,” Eric recalled. Since he had been living with his mom, Eric lost his housing and became homeless. His grief was so overwhelming that he couldn’t work. Eric didn’t feel safe in the shelters, so he would ride the bus all night or just walk around. He couldn’t get sleep or maintain proper hygiene. Eric started coming to Miriam’s Kitchen for meals and clothing. He often joined the art studio program and was grateful that MK stayed with him, providing meals and support whenever he needed it. He was so used to surviving on his own while living outside. Looking back on his life, Eric reflected, “I was stuck – I couldn’t get a job and I couldn’t get housing. I just needed
a little push to get into housing. MK gave me that push.” In 2024 Eric met MK Outreach Case Manager, Ronetta Mitchell and she put him on her caseload. Ronetta would check in on Eric regularly, provided essential resources and most importantly, stayed in contact with him. After years of waiting, Eric was finally matched with MK’s Permanent Supportive Housing program. With the support of Nicole Dixon, his MK PSH case manager, Eric completed all the inspections and paperwork so he could move into his apartment on October 8, 2025. “I love my new apartment building.” Eric declared. “It’s clean and well maintained. I thank the Lord every night that I live here.” Eventually Eric wants to move out of DC, buy a couple acres of land and build a house. Eric summed it up “I battled through a lot, but I kept going. You can’t stop – you gotta keep moving. I’m a true success story for MK!”.
MK FALL 2026 NEWSLETTER
3
Bridge Housing
OPENING DOORS, BUILDING FUTURES: CELEBRATING ONE YEAR OF BRIDGE HOUSING One year ago, Miriam’s Kitchen, in partnership with the District’s Department of Human Services (DHS), opened the E Street Bridge Housing program with a shared vision: helping people experiencing chronic homelessness begin their journey toward stability, healing, and permanent housing. As we mark the program’s first anniversary, we celebrate a year of lives changed and partnerships strengthened. More than temporary shelter, Bridge Housing provides a safe place where residents can reconnect with healthcare, supportive services, and trusted case managers while preparing for permanent housing.
healthcare, behavioral health services, employment support, and housing navigation, helping them build a pathway to lasting stability. This fall, E Street will also expand opportunities by welcoming approximately 15 women into dedicated work beds as they continue their journey toward permanent housing.
MEDICAL RESPITE Thanks to a $500,000 grant from the DC Hospital Association (DCHA) Community Investment Program, Miriam’s Kitchen will launch the E Street Medical Respite Program, expanding access to post-hospital care for people experiencing homelessness in Washington, D.C. The grant—one of the largest in the organization’s history—will support planning and early operations for the new program, which is expected to open in early 2027. Every day, hospitals across Washington, D.C. discharge patients who are medically stable but not fully recovered. Most people return home to rest, take their medications, and heal. For someone experiencing homelessness, there may be no home to return to.
Today, the District’s Bridge Housing system serves up to 290 residents, including 190 beds at E Street and 100 at The Aston. Through close collaboration between Miriam’s Kitchen, DHS, and outreach teams, occupancy at E Street has nearly doubled since March, reflecting the trust and persistence required to bring people indoors. Every move-in represents more than a bed—it represents hope. Residents receive individualized case management,
4
Without a safe place to recover, something as simple as taking medication on schedule, changing a bandage, or getting a full night’s sleep can become nearly impossible. Too often, people leave the hospital only to end up back in an emergency room days or weeks later—not because they weren’t treated, but because they had nowhere to heal. Visit our website to learn more:
MK FALL 2026 NEWSLETTER
Donor Highlight
YOUNG HEARTS, BIG IMPACT Compassion has no age limit. Just ask Max and Roshan— two remarkable young supporters who found creative ways to help their neighbors experiencing homelessness. After learning about homelessness at school, Max wanted to make a difference. A tour of Miriam’s Kitchen with his mom showed him how meals are just the beginning of our work. Inspired, Max raised money to purchase supplies for winter care kits, then enlisted his family to assemble them for guests to have during the coldest months. When it came time for his bar mitzvah, he asked friends and family to support Miriam’s Kitchen. “It felt good to know I was making a difference for people living in the same city I do,” Max shared. He’s especially proud that so many loved ones joined him in helping our neighbors. Roshan’s journey began after a trip to India, where seeing children asking for help deeply affected him. Back home, he noticed people experiencing homelessness in his own community and wanted to take action. Since he was too young to volunteer, Roshan came up with another idea—a neighborhood lemonade stand. He enlisted his brother to help and together they raised money for Miriam’s Kitchen and then visited MK to deliver their gift in person. “It felt good to help people in need,” Roshan said. He is most proud that his efforts helped provide people with the things they need to live. Thanks to caring young people like Max and Roshan, our community is growing stronger, one act of kindness at a time. Their generosity reminds us that no matter your age, everyone has the power to help a neighbor find hope—and a path home.
MK FALL 2026 NEWSLETTER
5
JOIN US SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2026, FOR A 5K, 10K, OR FUN RUN TO SUPPORT MIRIAM’S KITCHEN’S WORK TO END CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS IN DC. Lace up your running shoes—Run4MK is back! Join our community of runners, walkers, families, and supporters for a morning of movement, hope, and community at this year’s Run4MK. Inspired by the legacy of Waldon Adams—Miriam’s Kitchen’s dear friend, passionate advocate, and avid runner—Run4MK kicks off National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week with purpose. More than just a race, Run4MK helps raise critical funds that ensure our neighbors experiencing homelessness have access to meals, outreach, housing, and support as the cold winter months approach. Whether you run, walk, volunteer, or fundraise, every step helps move someone closer to home. Register today and be part of the movement! Catherine Francis - Director of Donor Relations, Miriam’s Kitchen - 202.452.8926 - catherine.francis@ miriamskitchen.org
6
MK FALL 2026 NEWSLETTER
RECIPE: Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp By Shamika Hamilton, Executive Chef
Ingredients 3 tablespoons melted butter 2 tablespoons bourbon 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 teaspoon smoked paprika ½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper 1-pound Extra Large Shrimp peeled and deveined 12 pieces of bacon cut in half 1 tablespoon chopped chives
Instructions Come meet Chef Shamika at our Meet & Mingle Sept 26th - Scan the QR code to RSVP or learn more:
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Cover a baking sheet with foil and place a cooling rack onto the baking sheet. • Whisk together the butter, bourbon, brown sugar, paprika, onion powder and black pepper. • Wrap each shrimp with a piece of bacon. Dip into the butter mixture,
then place them seam side down onto the prepared baking sheet. • Repeat with the remaining shrimp and bacon. Brush any extra glaze over the top of the shrimp. • Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the bacon is cooked and golden. • Garnish with fresh chopped chives. • Enjoy!
VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHT the majority of donations. And it’s especially great when we can find new food partners.”
Food Donations at MK : An Unpredictable Feast or Famine Every week, Jake Rosenman and a volunteer hop into the MK van to pick up donated food from over 10 locations around the DMV. They haul the food back to MK where a team of volunteers weigh, sort and organize the food, filling MK’s refrigerators and freezers to the brim. Jake is MK’s fulltime In-Kind Donation Coordinator, and he loves his job! “It’s great to work with such a variety of people,” Jake said with a smile. “Every day is someone different. Plus, the work is really fulfilling. I love it when we can keep and make use of
MK FALL 2026 NEWSLETTER
Jake shared that MK’s In-Kind donation program is similar to the cooking show “Chopped.” On the show, chefs open a basket and figure out how to make a meal with the surprising ingredients inside. At MK, chefs open the van doors and figure out how to feed 250 people with the donated items they find. When the van arrives with the food, volunteers figure out if there is enough of an item for the kitchen to use. They also look for “on the move foods” that the MK Outreach team can use. Volunteers also set aside items for the Permanent Supportive Housing clients – frozen meals, canned goods or smaller quantities of produce.
times a week, the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) picks up any unclaimed food. AFAC works with families, so they can make great use of the smaller quantities that don’t fit MK needs.” Since we never know what food is coming, planning ahead is challenging. “It’s an unpredictable feast or famine,” Jake shared. Lately, donations have been down, so MK has had to purchase more food. But multiple big donations are problematic, as we run out of storage space. Richard Taylor, a regular volunteer, shared “I love doing this because we save MK money and we’re doing our part to save the planet by not wasting food.” Food Donors:
Any items the kitchen can’t use go onto wooden pallets. PSH case managers then come by to pick up items to bring to their clients.” Three
7
Together, We Can
Change Lives.
Your generosity provides meals, housing and support services that help our neighbors find their way home.
Here are 5 meaningful ways to give.
1. GIVE ONLINE
2. GIVE BY EMAIL
3. MONTHLY GIVING
4. STOCK OR IRA GIFTS
5. LEAVE A LEGACY
Make a secure gift today and help provide meals, housing and hope.
Send your check to help us continue serving our neighbors in need.
Sustain hope all year long with a recurring gift that makes a lasting impact.
Smart giving options that can benefit you and help our mission go further.
Include MK in your will or estate plans and create a legacy of compassion.
miriamskitchen.org/ donate
Miriam’s Kitchen 2401 Virginia Ave, NW Washington, DC 20037
miriamskitchen.org/givemonthly
Contat us at 202-452-8926 or development@miriamskitchen. org
Every gift -no matter the size- makes a real difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness in our community.
Contact us to learn more about planned giving options.
You are the difference, thank you!
2401 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037
2026 FALL NEWSLETTER