Ahead of the new year, many people set resolutions to get more involved in their communities, but figuring out how can be overwhelming. If you’re looking for ways to support people experiencing homelessness in D.C., there are many local organizations where your time can make a difference. Here’s a closer look at a few organizations and other ways you can get involved.
Everyday ways to help:
There are a few things anyone can do day-to-day to help without needing a scheduled shift:
1. Save the D.C. shelter hotline number: (202)-399-7093 or 311. This number helps connect people to shelters. You can call if someone asks for help finding shelter, if you see someone outside during extreme cold or heat, or if you’re worried about someone’s safety.
2. Respond to requests for help: If someone asks for money, food, water, or hygiene products and you’re able, provide those resources. Try to tailor your support to what they ask for; someone may have enough toothbrushes, or be allergic to the sandwich you think they’d like. People know best what sort of help they need, so just stop and listen
3. Donate when you can: Many organizations listed accept donations in addition to volunteers, as do local mutual aid groups. For many, cash is best, but some items are needed
Mutual aid groups:
Most local mutual aid groups enable people to both volunteer and donate. Here are a few often focused on homelessness.
Remora House – Remora House provides food, clothing, and basic supplies to people experiencing homelessness in D.C., doing regular outreach to those living outside.
Ward 2 Mutual Aid – Ward 2 Mutual Aid helps people with different types of support in the downtown area. It runs an aid warmline and often has campaigns supporting people living outside.
Food Not Bombs – Food Not Bombs, D.C. chapter, shares weekly free (vegetarian and vegan) meals with the community and provides assistance to people living on the streets.
Places to volunteer:
Bread for the City
Bread for the City serves low-income D.C. residents and families who need food, clothes, and medical or legal help. It is especially looking for volunteers who speak Spanish or Mandarin. Volunteers give out food, organize clothes, and help clients. They also help keep the pantry and clothing areas clean and organized. Go to the volunteer page on the Bread for the City website to sign up and learn more. (Shaw and Anacostia)
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities supports individuals, families, immigrants, and people experiencing homelessness through meal programs, shelters, and support for families in need. Volunteers help prepare and serve meals, assist with clothing drives, or work in administrative roles. It offers flexible shifts and encourages both one-time and continuous volunteer opportunities. To get started, prospective volunteers can fill out an application on the Catholic Charities website and attend a brief orientation. (Various locations)
Community Family Life Services (CFLS)
CFLS provides holistic support to families and individuals experiencing homelessness. Support includes childcare, educational programs, and maintenance projects. Volunteers can sign up for individual opportunities, like childcare, or participate in group projects, such as maintenance improvements. Contact CFLS through their website and fill out a volunteer application to learn about volunteer needs and schedule shifts. (Fort Totten)
Central Union Mission
Central Union Mission primarily serves single adult men experiencing homelessness, offering food, shelter, and recovery programs. Volunteers as young as 12 can participate if they are accompanied by an adult. Tasks include meal service, sorting clothing donations, and helping with community events. Volunteer applications are submitted online, and first-time volunteers must attend an orientation session. (Union Station, additional locations)
Charlie’s Place
Charlie’s Place works to provide both immediate relief and long-term resources for individuals experiencing homelessness. Volunteers can assist with meal preparation or organizing the clothing closet. Shifts are flexible, and it encourages both one-time and continuous volunteer opportunities. Interested volunteers can reach out through the Charlie’s Place website to sign up or learn about upcoming orientations. (Kalorama)
Christ House
Christ House serves men experiencing homelessness, offering medical care, meals, and social services to people experiencing homelessness. Volunteers can help with meal service, assist with activities, or support administrative staff. The organization prefers volunteers who can commit to regular shifts, and new volunteers are required to attend an orientation session. Register for volunteering through the Christ House website. (Adams Morgan)
Friendship Place
Friendship Place focuses on ending homelessness by helping individuals access housing, employment, and support services. Both short-term and long-term volunteer roles are available, and opportunities are listed on the Friendship Place website. (Tenleytown)
Martha’s Table
Martha’s Table works to end childhood hunger and poverty in Washington D.C., providing meals, education programs, and family support services. Volunteers can help prepare and serve meals, assist with educational programs, or help sort donated items. Martha’s Table has both one-time and continuous volunteer opportunities. Sign up online for shifts. (Columbia Heights, several locations in Southeast D.C.)
Miriam’s Kitchen
Miriam’s Kitchen works to help people in Washington, D.C. who are experiencing long-term homelessness. Volunteers perform many tasks, like serving meals, giving out drinks, condiments, toiletries, and clothing, and welcoming guests at the front desk. They also help prepare food in the kitchen and organize clothing bags for guests. New volunteers are required to attend an orientation session. Go to the Miriam’s Kitchen website to sign up. (Foggy Bottom)
N Street Village
N Street Village supports women experiencing homelessness through housing, health care, meals, and job programs. Volunteers can help serve meals, organize donations, or support wellness programs. Both group and individual volunteer opportunities are available. Sign up on the N Street Village website. (Logan Circle)
Thrive DC
Thrive DC provides meals, groceries, showers, laundry services, and case management for people experiencing homelessness. Volunteers help serve meals, distribute groceries, and organize donations. Thrive DC offers flexible volunteer shifts Monday – Friday, with shifts ranging from 7:30 a.m.- 3:00 p.m., and volunteers can sign up through the website. (Columbia Heights)
This article originally appeared in Street Sense’s March 11, 2026 edition.
