Home to more than 40 women, residents of N Street Village in Northwest D.C. cheerfully greet guests to the shelter despite the dreariness of the winter around them.
Offering temporary, transitional and affordable housing options to about 900 women each year, the
organization serves roughly 60% of the Districts adult homeless female population, according to
their website.
Established in 1972 by a group of local churchgoers, the days at N Street are busy. Between meals
the women hurry to classes and group activities, many focused on rehabilitation and job readiness.
While the organization estimates that 86 percent of the women who enter N Street suffer from a mental illness, addiction, or both, many will maintain their sobriety, provided they set a recovery goal. Moreover, nearly all residents who are newly employed go on to keep their jobs for three months or more.
Included in the shelter’s programs is a Group Home option for women with a history of mental illness who are interested in living long-term in a supportive environment. In addition, the Luther Place Night Shelter offers free, temporary shelter for women provided they participate in weekly meetings, activities and chores. N Street Village added to these programs in November by merging with Miriam’s House, a residential community for women living with HIV and AIDS.
“This is a strategic move that will preserve and increase housing and services for homeless women living with HIV/AIDS in our region,” said Schroeder Stribling, Executive Director of N Street Village, in a press release.
