Thrive DC
202-737-9311
Share page
1525 Newton Street NW, G-1
Washington, DC 20010
Organization Details
The mission of Thrive DC is to prevent and end homelessness in Washington, DC by providing a comprehensive range of emergency services to low-income individuals experiencing food insecurity and homelessness. We envision a city where everyone can readily access and receive the resources and support needed to lead fulfilling, stable lives.
Client
Food
Community
Morning Program
Volunteers
More About Us
Washington, D.C., and particularly Wards 1 & 4, have a rich history of progressivism and inclusivity. This vibrant community has long been a haven for individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering a welcoming environment for all. However, despite this history, the issue of homelessness persists, affecting many vulnerable individuals who call this community their home.

With this in mind Thrive DC refocused its efforts in 2023 on supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. Additionally, we consolidated all of our programming at our Newton St. location to ensure the individuals we serve have access to the widest range of available services. We want to strongly affirm our beliefs in the importance of supporting homeless individuals in the community they reside in. Our no-barrier approach to providing emergency services, we strive to create a more inclusive and compassionate society that ensures a brighter future for all members of our community.

Thrive DC's approach involves creating a safe and non-judgmental space where individuals can access essential services, including meals, showers, clothing, case management, and medical support. By removing barriers to access, we aim to empower homeless individuals to take the first steps toward a stable and secure future, within the community they reside in.

Thrive DC team members meet people where they are. Typically, clients come to us first for basic emergency services including hot meals, shower and laundry facilities, personal care items, and clothing. Before leaping from crisis intervention to more robust, stabilizing programs, we get to know our clients and learn about their needs in a welcoming, non-judgmental atmosphere. We treat clients with dignity and respect and nurture each individual's sense of self-worth. We begin by learning about what the client wants to work on, what's important to them, and how we can help them move forward.


Testimonials
You have to be ready for change.

Ms. Lajuan was last released from prison in 2013. In and out of prison, always involved with drugs and alcohol, it's been a long road for her to get clean and back in control of her life. In the throes of her addiction, she had to give up her three daughters because she wasn't able to take care of them and give them the life they deserved.

She gave her oldest daughter to a family member at 5 years old, and didn't see her again until her daughter was 21, after Ms. Lajuan's last release from prison.

It's been really hard, not being able to watch her daughters grow up.

But the last several years weren't a good environment for a kid. At first things were OK - right after release, Ms. Lajuan had a good job as a housing manager at the halfway house she had stayed in herself. But she lost that job due to budget cuts, and got back into drugs.

Ms. Lajuan worked paycheck to paycheck, just making enough to get what she needed to use, and then repeated the cycle. Bills went unpaid, she shuffled from apartment to apartment, and couldn't pull herself out of it.

Finally, in 2019, she hit a breaking point. Her addiction had gotten so bad that everyone had left her - boyfriend, friends, even her family. And it was seeing what she was making her 15 year old daughter go through that made this time in treatment feel like the last time.

In 2020, right after the pandemic hit, she went into treatment for 60 days, and after that moved into a transitional house for women that enforced sobriety. Finally, she came to Thrive DC seven months clean and ready for a new start.

"At one point in time, I felt like I didn't deserve a chance. People change. Thrive helped me get my self-esteem back, they made me feel employable again."

Working with our Employment Manager, Ms. Lajuan started looking for work. In March, she got a job as a custodial worker with a great company, one that even came with benefits! It's been a long time since she's had a job with so much stability and security. And even better, she hit one year of sobriety in June!

Ms. Lajuan is now focused on keeping a steady job, while also getting her GED in her spare time. After that, she wants to attend college as a part-time student. And she's closer again with her kids, focusing on a future that's positive and full of hope.

"Thrive is always a good vibe, always a good energy. I cannot tell you the extent of the help here - whatever you need they're going to make happen."

"For all the people who support Thrive, who supported me, thank you for everything. Don't stop doing what you're doing, because someone will receive the help you're giving. Thrive is a part of my life. THANK YOU!"