PRESS RELEASE

FOR  IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

Contact: Deborah Chambers
Senior Director of Strategic
Partnerships and Community Outreach

Cell: 202-534-9965
dchambers@missiondc.org

Homeless in a Hurricane  

Washington, DC—September 12, 2018—The streets offer no protection during a hurricane. That’s why Central Union Mission is preparing for more guests in the coming days.

Mission Executive Director Joe Mettimano remarked, “While we’re grateful that weather predictions are now a bit less dire for the DC area, an umbrella or plastic bag can do little to keep a person dry and safe in this much rain.” 

Any kind of disaster affects people experiencing homelessness before other populations.  “Like the canary in a coal mine, the homeless feel trauma first and are affected longer and most severely,” Mettimano commented. “While the rest of us are hunkered down at home, they may be stuck on the street waiting for evacuation shelters to open.”

That’s why the Mission is adding 30 more mattresses to our standard 200 per-night occupancy and will open our two air-conditioned day rooms and serve hot meals to those trying to keep dry.

DONATIONS NEEDED: rain ponchos, zippered plastic bags, food and water and funding to support our work. Central Union Mission’s shelter is open 24 hours a day at 65 Massachusetts Ave., NW, to accept donations to help our overnight guests ride out the storm.

If you see a person on the street who is unsafe or needs help, please contact the DC Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093.

About Central Union Mission:

Central Union Mission is a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit with its homeless shelter located at 65 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC  20001. In addition to its emergency shelter, the Mission operates the Spiritual Transformation Program, Ready2Succeed rehabilitative and job training programs for men, a food, clothing and furniture distribution center, a retreat and recreation center with a camp for underprivileged children and a ministry to families and senior citizens.

GuideStar awarded Central Union Mission a 2018 Gold Seal for our financial transparency and GreatNonProfits has given Central Union Mission a 2018 Top-Rated award.

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