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Washington, DC—December 24, 2019—This Christmas we welcome 50 volunteers who will make the day merry and bright for over 200 hungry neighbors experiencing homelessness. Central Union Mission volunteers are the heart of Christmas for our guests, and they will help serve a Christmas meal at noon and 5:00 pm.
According to Mission Executive Director Joe Mettimano, “Christmas is a pivotal time for some of our guests. They’re lonely and estranged from their families; they’re cold, hungry and sad. Our volunteers’ love reminds them that we care about them. Together we can help them turn their lives around so maybe next year they can be reunited with their families.”
Volunteers are essential to the overall function of the Mission. Over the last few days the Mission welcomed local office groups, individuals and families who have helped out by decorating the shelter and dining hall, carving turkeys and serving meals, providing music and entertaining our guests with conversation and board games. Some Christmas volunteers even make sandwiches to feed homeless people who want to stay on the street. This encouraging atmosphere inspires guests to begin one of the Mission’s rehabilitation or job readiness programs—like the Restoration & Transformation Program or Pathways to Employment—so they can enjoy future Christmases with a good job or in their own home.
Central Union Mission began 135 years ago when churches and the community came together to care for homeless Civil War veterans. Our service to DC men, women, families and children continues to this day, and we rely on the support of private donors who care about helping poor people. Christmas at Central Union Mission is the perfect display of that selfless compassion.
News media are invited to attend. RSVP requested. Please contact Rev. Deborah Chambers at 202-534-9965 or dchambers@missiondc.org for the schedule and other information.
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 almost 60,000 bed-nights each year, the Mission operates a holistic, Christ-centered transformation and workforce development program for men, provides benefits for veterans, helps people overcome addictions, operates a food and clothing distribution center which provides food for over 4000 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, 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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