Resource Guide
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
DC Hypothermia and Shelter Hotline
1-800-535-7252
Shelter Complaints
1-866-454-1554
Domestic Violence
202-667-7001
202-529-5991
DC Rape Crisis Center
202-333-7273
Substance Abuse/Detox
202-698-6080
Office of Police Complaints (OCP)
202-727-3838
Metropolitan Police
Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency:
General Information
DC Department of Human Services
Homeless Resource Sheet for a list of basic services, hotline numbers and examples of resources to help you.
Food Services
Thrive DC provides meals twice daily and operates a weekly emergency food pantry. View our Services.
For additional help with food resources go to:
DC Food Finder:
202-526-5344
En Espanol (Buscador de Comida de DC)
Use this site to locate free and low cost meals and groceries; places to apply for and use food assistance benefits; cooking classes and nutrition workshops; farmers’ markets; community gardens; and other food resources in Washington, DC.
Healthcare Services
General Healthcare Information
DC Department of Health
Free Health Insurance eligibility and resources
Mental Health
DC Department of Mental Health
Services for homeless individuals
Community-based service providers
HIV/AIDS
Find a Free HIV/AIDS testing site
En Espanol: El VIH en DC
Legal Assistance
Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless
202-328-5500
Legal services for the homeless or those at risk of homelessness.
Public Defender Service
en Espanol: Servicio de Defensoria Publica Para el Distrito de Columbia
202-628-1200
The Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia provides and promotes quality legal representation to indigent adults and children facing a loss of liberty in DC.
Shelters
Emergency Shelters
Locations of 12- and 24-hour emergency shelters
Family Shelter
Virginia Williams Resource Center
The Virginia Williams Family Resource Center (FRC) is the central intake office for all families requesting emergency housing and assistance in the District of Columbia.
More Shelter Information
Links to other Housing programs and Shelters in DC
Substance Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitiation
Without insurance, DC residents call:
(202) 698-6080×4
Detox Center at DC General
1300 First Street, NE
Provides medical detoxification for alcohol, cocaine, heroin, prescriptions drugs, PCP and other substances.
With insurance, DC residents call:
202-865-6689
Drug Abuse Institute
Howard University Hospital
2041 Georgia Avenue NW, Suite 6B-07
Transportation
Morning and evening transportation from shelters to various locations in downtown DC:
