Friendship Place Celebrates 25 Years of Innovative Solutions to Combat Homelessness

WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Friendship Place—the region-wide leader in the movement to end homelessness with effective, nationally recognized, and award-winning services—celebrates its 25^th Anniversary today. Since its grassroots days of serving people experiencing homelessness in Upper Northwest, Friendship Place has expanded to serve the entire DC Metropolitan area. In 2008, Friendship Place adopted the "Housing First" approach and has become a model for other organizations tackling homelessness around the country.

"Since our founding, the national conversation around homeless services has undergone a profound transformation … and Friendship Place is leading the way," said President & CEO, Jean-Michel Giraud.  "At Friendship Place we find ways to say 'yes' to people who have nowhere else to turn."

The non-profit meets the needs of the homeless population "where they are," meaning people are not turned away due to issues such as addiction, mental illness or lack of employment. Last year, Friendship Place changed the lives of 2,600 individuals and families in our nation's capital by offering comprehensive, lasting and transformative services. Among those services are its Permanent Supportive Housing, Rapid Rehousing, Transitional Housing and Shelters, Street Outreach and Access to Housing programs. These programs all quickly house individuals and families facing homelessness, prevent homelessness or connect people with citywide housing resources. The organization's veterans and youth programs provide targeted support for the city's most vulnerable residents. Friendship Place is now planning to create a specialized program to empower LGBTQ youth.

Essential to its success are the invaluable resources Friendship Place offers residents in the DC area. Among those are its fast-track job placement program, AimHire, and its Drop-In Center, where individuals meet with caseworkers to discuss solutions for their personal challenges and receive free necessities such as meals, showers, laundry and phone and computer usage. Additionally, the community organization's Free Clinic is available to anyone who comes through its Welcome Center door.

"During our 25 year history, our dedicated staff and incredible volunteers have made a lasting impact in the lives of so many," said Mr. Giraud. "Today, we continue to harness the power of the community through efforts like our upcoming November 5, Friendship Walks – the Walk to End Homelessness. Together, we can achieve our vision of a DC region in which every person has a place to call home."

CONTACT: Yimka Odebode
[email protected]
202-503-2964

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SOURCE Friendship Place