Help During the Holidays

Please note: Iona’s offices and programs will be closed on Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26, 2025, in observance of the holidays and to provide respite for our staff. We will also be closed on Thursday, January 1, and Friday, January 2, 2026. We will reopen on Monday, January 5, 2026. 

The holidays can be a challenging time for many reasons. Should you or someone you know need support when Iona is closed, please reach out to the following resources:

Food

Food Resource Guide: Wards 2, 3, 4, and 8

Bread for the City: Food Pantry and Free Farmers Market open Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m. Current DC identification OR proof of DC residency (within 3 months) is required. Free Farmers Markets: Free, fresh, and seasonal produce. Fridays from 9 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. or until food runs out, whichever comes first.  

Capital Area Food Bank: To reach the Hunger Lifeline, call (202) 644-9807 or e-mail hungerlifeline@capitalareafoodbank.org. To utilize their interactive map to locate food resources in your area visit https://www.capitalareafoodbank.org/find-food-assistance/

NW Community Food: Non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families in DC with fresh produce, shelf-stable foods, household and personal hygiene items. Provides resource links to DC residents (Legal services, Immigrant Advocacy, WIC, Crisis intervention, Mutual Aid, Clothing). Open Sundays 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. 

4340 Connecticut Ave, NW 

St. Paul’s Weekly Lunches: Prime Time Center at St. Paul’s Senior ministry gathers on Wednesday for seated exercise followed by pre-plated lunch and entertainment. Welcome to those 50+ and vaccinated. Pre-registration is required. Please notify Joy Belew by 11 a.m. on the Friday prior to each week’s program to participate. Wednesdays, 11 a.m. -2 p.m. 

4900 Connecticut Ave., NW 

Phone: (202) 966-5489 

Email: joyb@stpaulslutherandc.com 

Woodley House Food Pantry: Provides food staples, frozen meat, and fresh produce to Woodley House residents and community neighbors in need. Tuesdays 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Open to all DC residents. Must provide proof of residency with current photo ID, passport, or utility bill, etc. 

Valenti House 

2711 Connecticut Ave., NW 

Phone: 202-830-3508

Warming Centers

Find a list of locations that are open when DC Government activates the Cold Emergency Plan: https://snow.dc.gov/service/warming-centers-and-facilities 

Mental Health Crisis

The Community Response Team (CRT) can provide immediate assistance to individuals experiencing emotional, psychiatric or substance use challenges. Call 202-673-6495 to request an on-the-spot assessment and linkage to mental or behavioral health services or visit https://dbh.dc.gov/service/community-response-team.

Additional Support

For other resources available for older adults in the District, call the DC Department of Aging and Community Living at 202-724-5626 or visit https://dacl.dc.gov/ 

If you suspect an older adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited contact Adult Protective Services at 202-541-3950 or visit https://dacl.dc.gov/service/adult-protective-services-0 

Resources in Montgomery County: Contact the Aging and Disabilities Resource Unit at (240) 777-3000 or visit https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/senior/.   

Resources in Other Locations:  The Eldercare Locator can provide information on aging services anywhere in the United States. Call 1-800-677-1116 or visit https://eldercare.acl.gov/home