The Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place (CCHFP) began as a grassroots effort in 1991, after the District of Columbia city government proposed opening a large (50 person) emergency shelter at the Guy Mason Center in upper Georgetown. A volunteer group of friends and neighbors came together and resolved to develop a better approach. And they continue to do so to this day -- providing outreach, transitional and permanent housing, and social services for homeless men and women living in upper-Northwest Washington, D.C. The Need By conducting a survey of the homeless in the area more than 100 homeless men and women were found living among us west of Rock Creek Park. Many had been homeless for decades. They often have complex, long-term illnesses and/or addictions. Few have any caring relationships left in their lives. They choose to live here because of family, work and school ties, and because they feel safe here. Our Response After organizing and creating the Community Council for the Homeless in 1991 the organization mobilized volunteers, expertise and funding for small neighborhood shelters. By 1995, the Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place was assisting our homeless neighbors with:
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