Press Release: Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic, Christ House Celebrates 35 Years of Serving DC’s Homeless Population
For Release Time
November 13, 2020
Washington, DC — November 13, 2020 — When it opened in 1985, Christ House was the only residential medical facility for people experiencing homelessness in the nation and is still one of only 22 such facilities today. To celebrate 35 years of this life giving work with the greater community, Christ House will host a virtual 35th Anniversary celebration this December.
The mission of Christ House is to provide comprehensive and compassionate health care to people experiencing homelessness in the District of Columbia with acute medical needs, and to offer assistance in addressing critical issues to help break the cycle of homelessness. Christ House staff provides patients with 24-hour nursing care, case management services, nutritious meals, and holistic support services including patient activities and spiritual life opportunities. Since its founding, Christ House has had over 9,273 admissions. Co-Founders Dr. Janelle and Rev. Allen Goetcheus maintain their presence at Christ House today working in the roles of Medical Director, and Director of Spiritual Life, respectively.
“Christ House…gives me hope that no matter where one finds themselves in life there are people that care and are willing to help as best they can. We are all wounded in some way or another and need each other,” said Clinical Support Manager John Craig, who first connected with Christ House in 1990. Many staff at Christ House have a long history with the organization, some having first served as Year Long Volunteers.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted men, people of color, and low-income individuals. Since March, Christ House has faced unexpected challenges but has ultimately continued to serve men experiencing homelessness in DC who need support more than ever as they are particularly vulnerable to this virus. We have kept the spread of the virus down in our facilities by using PPE, social distancing, and overall following CDC guidelines.
- Several of Christ House’s founders still carry out the mission day after day including Janelle and Allen Goetcheus, Don Martin, Sister Marcella Jordan, and Mary Jordan. These individuals also live in the intentional residential community located on Christ House’s 3rd and 4th floors, which is another aspect of Dr. Goetcheus’ original vision for Christ House that has carried on over the years.
- Christ House is one of many mission-driven organizations that has stemmed out of Church of the Saviour. In the DC area, other organizations still in operation include Potter’s House, Jubilee Jobs, Joseph’s House, and others.
- Since the founding of Christ House, the organization and/or employees have received awards including but not limited to: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award in 2005 from the United Planning Organization, and most recently both Dr. Janelle Goetcheus and Mary Jordan received awards from the National Health Care for the Homeless Council in 2017.
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