DHS’s homeless outreach team engages individuals who are living on the streets and experiencing homelessness. Outreach efforts consist of but are not limited to sharing information on homeless services; encampment and vulnerability assessments; distribution of blankets, water, fruit, and warming supplies; and working with the community and our sister agencies to ensure the wellbeing of people experiencing homelessness. Outreach connects vulnerable individuals to housing resources within the Coordinated Assessment and Housing Placement (CAHP) system, and outreach workers engage individuals and recommend ways to secure their personal belongings as they continue to navigate the housing process and strive toward stable and safe housing.
Comprehensive Street Outreach Network
The Comprehensive Street Outreach Network provides strategic support to individuals living on the street or in locations not fit for human habitation. The Network engages unaccompanied adults and youth who are unsheltered to provide case management that facilitates connections to shelter and housing supports, public benefits, physical and behavioral health care, harm reduction interventions, and other resources.
Network Coverage and Hours of Operation
DHS has divided the District into three geographic clusters representing approximately the equivalent number of unsheltered individuals. DHS selected three grantees to provide services, one in each cluster: Miriam's Kitchen, Pathways to Housing DC, and Community Connections. These service providers work closely with DHS and other agency partners such as the Department of Behavioral Health, MPD, and the Deputy Mayor’s Office for Health and Human Services. Outreach services are available Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. During the hypothermia season, when alerts and emergencies are activated, outreach services extend to 11 p.m.
Accessing The Network
Outreach providers are accessible through the following numbers:
- If you are in need of free, accessible transportation to shelter, or you see someone outside in need of shelter or a welfare check, call the Homeless Services Hotline at (202) 399-7093 or dial 311. The Homeless Services Hotline is open every day from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. During hypothermia season (November 1 - March 31), the Homeless Services Hotline is open 24 hours a day and transportation to shelter is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When calling, please include the time, the address or location of the sighting, and a description of the person’s appearance.
- If you see someone experiencing a psychiatric emergency, or trauma, or showing signs of a mental health crisis or substance use disorder, call the DC Department of Behavioral Health Community Response Team at (888) 7WE-HELP or (888) 793-4357.
- If there is an immediate risk to safety, call 911.
For more information, view and download the Comprehensive Street Outreach Network one-pager.