From Day Shelter to Grantmaker: How Rachael's Women's Center Evolved to Continue Serving DC's Homeless Community

When Ward Howick first walked into Rachael's Women's Center in 1997, he immediately felt the warmth and safety that defined the organization. Located in a four-story townhouse on 11th Street between M and N, the center had been serving women experiencing homelessness in Washington, DC since 1979, providing a crucial daytime refuge in downtown DC where women could find community, resources, and hope.

"It almost felt like home," recalls Howick, who joined the board that year and would eventually serve as Chairman. "No matter where you came from or what you were going through, everyone felt safe and comfortable there."

For over three decades, Rachael's Women's Center was more than just a day shelter—it was a lifeline. The statistics tell a remarkable story of impact: over 1 million meals served, 162,750 showers provided, and more than 75,000 women served since opening its doors. The center offered everything from case management and counseling to job training programs, computer classes, and connections to permanent housing.

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Source: Greater Washington Community Foundation