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PRESS RELEASE
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Deborah Chambers
VP, Development and Partnerships
Cell: 202-534-9965
dchambers@missiondc.org
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What Home for the Holiday Means to 100 Volunteers and a Homeless Shelter
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Washington, DC—December 2, 2021—On Saturday, Dec. 4, a group of over 100 volunteers will makeover Central Union Mission’s Men’s Shelter to make it feel more like home for the holidays.
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Sharnikya Howard, the heart and brains behind the grand gesture, and also the founder of one of the day’s sponsors, Esther’s Hope Global, said she understands the importance of one’s environment while going through a life transformation. “I’ve been volunteering with the Mission for many years, and it’s already such a wonderful place with such a wonderful mission, and as these men embark on a new phase of their life, I want their environment to feel new too, because I believe that matters. It matters that they wake up in a space that they love and that feels like home, especially during the holidays.”
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Lives are transformed as a result of Central Union Mission’s programs for its shelter residents. The Workforce Development program provides job skills and work experience for formerly homeless or incarcerated men and the Rehabilitation and Transformation Program helps men who have the desire and mental wherewithal to rehabilitate and stabilize all aspects of their lives.
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For volunteers, the day will begin at 7:00 a.m., where 16 teams of 6-10 people each, will arrive to the Mission. After providing their negative Covid test or vaccine card, they will be directed to their assigned spaces for the day. “We’re doing everything from painting walls and hanging artwork to replacing linens and furniture. It’s going to be a long, but fun day of work,” said Howard. “It will truly be a labor of love.”
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“We are so grateful that Central Union Mission is always in the hearts of those who can make a difference,” said Mission President & CEO Joseph Mettimano. “The impact of each of these volunteer’s kindness and compassion will be felt for years to come. I’m excited and the guys are excited to see this blessing unfold. This is especially helpful during the holiday season, which can be a difficult time for many, but especially the homeless. Their separation from loved ones, the comfort of home and traditional celebrations can be especially painful. ”
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Central Union Mission would like to acknowledge and thank the following sponsors who made the Mission Makeover possible: |
- DTLR
- United Healthcare
- District Motherhued
- The Greene Group
- Food On The Stove
- Esther’s Hope Global
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Photo and interview opportunities are available with Mission staff, Mission residents and Volunteers.
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Media is invited to attend. RSVP requested. Please contact Rev. Deborah Chambers, VP, Development & Partnerships, at 202-534-9965 or dchambers@missiondc.org for information.
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| About Central Union Mission: |
Central Union Mission is a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the oldest private social service agency in Washington, DC. In addition to its emergency shelter, which provides more than 60,000 bed-nights each year, the Mission operates holistic, Christ-centered transformation and workforce development programs for men, provides benefits for veterans, helps people overcome addictions, operates a food and clothing distribution center which provides food for over 4,000 people each month, runs a camp for underprivileged children, and offers a ministry to families and senior citizens. Charity Navigator has rated Central Union Mission a three-star charity, GuideStar awarded Central Union Mission a Gold Seal for our financial transparency and GreatNonProfits has given Central Union Mission a Top-Rated award.
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