Transformed Kitchen Nurtures Women of Luther Place

Women gathered in kitchen

Zoe King

On a chilly Thursday evening, the women started gathering at the Luther Place Night Shelter.

Two settled in at computer work stations while others found seats at long tables. The evening news played in the background and heat emanated from the fireplace.

Beyond the simple pleasure of coming in from the cold, a special excitement hung in the air. The women were looking forward to the shelter’s  monthly birthday celebration. And adding to the sweetness, they would be celebrating in a brand new kitchen funded by Scripps Network Interactive.

Since the work was completed, the cozy kitchen has quickly become a favorite spot at Luther Place.

“I think everyone spends more time in here now,” said resident Tashia Harris.  “It feels like home.”

The shelter, located at Luther Place Memorial Church just off Thomas Circle in Northwest Washington, is one of  seven shelter and housing programs run by N Street Village, an organization that has been offering services to the homeless since 1972.

Peter Shields who chairs N Street’s  Board of Directors, represents the Scripps lifestyle media network through his law firm. He has helped nurture a  corporate partnership with N Street Village over the past couple of years.

“Scripps has grown to love N Street,” he said.  “They like the mission and the service we provide to the women.”

In the fall, Scripps Network Interactive approached N Street Village about doing a kitchen renovation through their home improvement network, the DIY Network.

“They have a show called Kitchen Crashers and we decided the kitchen at the Luther Place Night Shelter would be the best place,” said Shields.

The kitchen at the Luther Place Night Shelter, which feeds up to 31 women, hasn’t been renovated since it opened 20 years ago.

Executive Director of N Street Village Schroeder Stribling described the old kitchen as “disorganized.”

“It wasn’t very welcoming,” she said.  “It was very closed off and you couldn’t interact with the people you were serving.”

But all that changed with the whirlwind transformation that began on January 28 and lasted a total of five days start to finish.  Alison Victoria, interior designer and host of Kitchen Crashers, was very involved in the process, overseeing the “crash” and shopping for new products.

“She also took it upon herself to modify some things outside of the renovations to make it more residential and homey,” said Shields.  “She wanted to be personally involved.”

During the renovations, N Street Village arranged to feed the women of Luther Place Night Shelter in their multipurpose room at the main complex across the street.

Scripps Network Interactive and Alison Victoria hosted an event on January 30 to unveil the new kitchen, though renovations did not end until February 1.  Board members, supporters, Luther Place Night Shelter residents and Scripps Network executives gathered to celebrate the new space.

“Scripps execs came and talked about why they are invested in our community at N Street and what it means to them,” Shields said.  “As a corporation they are able to live out their values and make a real difference.”

The renovations included an oven complete with a stovetop, tables and chairs, wooden floors, a TV and console complete with a faux fireplace, a toaster oven, computer desks, and most importantly, an ice machine.

“We’re excited about the ice machine,” said Stribling.  “Before, women had to move a cart from the 2nd floor to N Street’s main complex to get ice.”

The new kitchen has received rave reviews, described as much more “organized” and “streamlined.”

“The renovation has made it easier to provide the meals,” said Yvette Mosley, programs manager for Recovery Housing and Luther Place Night Shelter.  “It’s made it more user friendly.”

The new oven and stovetop is another welcomed addition; prior, volunteers were only able to bring pre-cooked meals that could be warmed up in an oven.  With the new stovetop, side dishes can be prepared to provide the residents with more fresh food for dinner, according to Shields.

Mosley says the new space has also improved the self-esteem of the residents.

“We have women that have lost their homes to foreclosure, eviction, lost their job, are fleeing domestic violence,” she said.  “They get to have some sense of dignity.”

 


Issues |Housing|Shelters


Region |Northwest|Washington DC

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