The building

Mitch brought attention to the needs of the homeless through fasting and peaceful demonstrations. A grant from the Reagan administration paid for the renovation of the CCNV shelter, formerly the Federal City College. This early history is documented by a 60 Minutes segment and a movie called The Good Samaritan. Mitch’s vision was to create a facility that included multiple services for the underserved and homeless population of DC.

CCNV still provides meals, shelter, and services to thousands of homeless men and women in the District at relatively no cost. Their service to the city remains invaluable.

Unity Health Care, formerly Health Care for the Homeless, began to provide services, along with everyone else, in 1988. Dr. Janelle Goetcheus was the medical director and continued serving homeless men and women into her 80s until she passed away in October 2024. Her contribution, along with a dedicated staff of doctors and nurses at the clinic at 2nd and D, has and continues to offer invaluable services to C&SS and the city at large.

Robert Egger founded DC Central Kitchen, a nationally recognized community kitchen that collected leftover food from local restaurants and farms. Robert was also responsible for creating a culinary program at 2nd and D. This training program provides many of our residents and the greater community with good jobs in the restaurant industry.