Resources to Support Unhoused Older Adults
Homelessness in the U.S. is at a record high, with older adults the fastest-growing group affected. In the D.C. region, nearly half of all unhoused individuals are over 55. At Iona’s Oasis Senior Center, we work every day to connect older adults to safe, stable housing and critical services — and the need is greater than ever. If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, help is available. Below are local and national resources that can offer support right now.
Iona Resources
Oasis Senior Center: Provides a safe space for unhoused older adults to find nutritious meals during the day, while also receiving supportive services and a community that welcomes them.
John Wesley AME Zion Church
1615 14th St. NW, Washington, DC 20009 | 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. | (202) 895-9448
(Enter on Corcoran Street next to ramp – program located on basement level)
Community Dining Sites: Iona’s Community Dining Sites offer in-person programs for DC residents aged 60+ Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., at various locations throughout Wards 2, 3, and 4. Enjoy coffee hour, a nutritious lunch, wellness activities, and the chance to connect with the community.
Ward 2 Locations:
- Asbury Dwelling Place – 1616 Marion St NW, Washington, DC 20001
- Asian and Pacific Islander Senior Service Center – 1739 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001 (The New Bethel Baptist Church)
- Claridge Towers – 1221 M St NW, Washington, DC 20009
- James Apartments – 1425 N St NW, Washington, DC 20005
- Oasis Senior Center for the Homeless – 1615 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
- St. Mary’s Court – 725 24th St NW, Washington, DC 20037
Ward 3 Locations:
- Active Wellness Program at St. Alban’s – 3001 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
- Regency House – 5201 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20015
Ward 4 Locations:
- Colony House – 930 Farragut St NW, Washington, DC 20011
- Fort Stevens Recreation Center – 1327 Van Buren St NW, Washington, DC 20012
- Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center – 324 Kennedy St NW, Washington, DC 20011
- Lamond Recreation Center – 20 Tuckerman St NE, Washington, DC 20011
Helpline: Iona’s Helpline is available Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Staffed by licensed clinical social workers, our Helpline specialists listen to concerns, answer questions, and connect callers with the resources they need. Dial (202) 895-9448 to get connected.
Mental Health Support: Iona’s team of compassionate licensed clinical social workers are available to help you address any challenges, connect you to support systems, and learn ways to communicate your emotions in a healthy and positive way. Please contact our Helpline at (202) 895-9448 for assistance or additional information.
Food Resources
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.
Northwest Food Pantry: 1525 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Southeast Food Pantry: 1700 Marion Barry Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020
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/
Friendship Place: Non-profit that assists individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness secure stable housing, supportive employment, and comprehensive case-management services. It also operates drop-in centers, clinics, outreach programs, and specialized housing.
4713 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016 | Phone: (202) 364-1419
Martha’s Table: Non-profit organization that provides quality family support programs, alongside no-cost healthy food markets, mobile meal delivery, and affordable clothing services. Martha’s Table Markets are open Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Northwest Market: 1474 Columbia Rd, NW Washington, DC 20009
Southeast Market: 2375 Elvans Road, SE Washington, DC 20020
Phone: (202) 328-6608
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 Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
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, Washington, DC 20008 | 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, Washington, DC 20008 | Phone: 202-830-3508
Shelter Resources
If you or someone you know needs emergency shelter, please contact the Homeless Services Hotline at (202) 399-7093 or dial 311. The Homeless Services Hotline is open every day from 8 AM – 12 AM. During hypothermia season (November 1 – April 15), the Homeless Services Hotline is open 24 hours a day. Transportation to the shelter is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during hypothermia season.
Everyone Home DC Drop-in Day Center (Shirley’s Place): Everyone Home DC’s drop-in Day Center is open Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Thursday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
1338 G Street, SE, Washington, DC, 20003 | Phone: 202-544-3150
Additional Resources & Important Numbers
- DC Hypothermia and Shelter Hotline: (202) 399-7093
- Shelter Complaints: (202) 673-4464
- Office of Police Complaints: (202) 727-3838
- Domestic Violence Resources: Police Coordinator (202) 727-7137 or House of Ruth (202) 667-7001
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) | 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
- DC Rape Crisis Center: 202-333-7273
- DC Substance Use Assessment & Referral Center (ARC): (202) 727-8473
Healthcare Resources
- Department of Behavioral Health: Access Helpline 1(888)7WE-HELP or 1-888-793-4357
Legal Assistance
- Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless: (202) 328-5500
- Neighborhood Legal Services Program: 202-832-NLSP (6577)
- Public Defender Service: (202) 628-1200
Substance Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation
- DC Adult Substance Abuse Treatment Services: (202) 328-5500
Help With Paying Bills
- Department of Energy Assistance Program: Call 311 to contact the DOEE Energy Office
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/Public/Index.aspx
Related Articles
The Stories of Dementia in the District
A Couple’s Vows Create Opportunities to Age Well
Can You Imagine Taking Three Buses to Get to Iona?
