Can you envision a place where the sick and homeless find not just shelter, but comprehensive and compassionate healthcare? That place exists and it’s called Christ House.
Christ House stands as a beacon of hope in Washington D.C. It offers a 24-hour nursing and respite care home for those too sick for the streets but not sick enough for a hospital. Since 1985, Christ House has been providing life-giving work to the DC’s homeless population.
Imagine a man, weakened by illness, finding refuge within these walls. Here, at Christ House, he receives 24-hour nursing care. He gets nutritious meals and holistic support. Case management services address his critical needs. The goal is to help him break free from the cycle of homelessness.
Christ House partners with local outreach teams. Together, they identify men who would benefit from nursing care. To protect its vulnerable patients, Christ House admits individuals who test negative for communicable diseases. They also admit those recovering after isolation.
The founders of Christ House are still active today. Janelle and Allen Goetcheus, Don Martin, Sister Marcella Jordan, and Mary Jordan continue to serve. They live in the residential community on the 3rd and 4th floors. Their presence embodies the original vision for Christ House.
Many Christ House staff members have long histories with the organization. Some even started as year-long volunteers. Clinical Support Manager John Craig connected with Christ House in 1990. He said Christ House gives him hope. He knows that there are people that care and are willing to help as best they can.
Since its founding, Christ House has had over 9,273 admissions. In 2020, Christ House celebrated 35 years of service.
Christ House provides a broad array of services. These services offer patients a complete recovery. Each patient is addressed holistically. Staff addresses not only the physical problems. They also work on the underlying issues that led to homelessness. The goal is for patients to leave Christ House stable. They should have the education and tools to manage their health.
Some patients join the Kairos Program. This supportive recovery community provides permanent housing. It is for former Christ House patients with ongoing medical needs. The Kairos Program fosters a strong sense of community. This is achieved through shared service work. Engagement in the twelve-step spiritual recovery program also helps.
Christ House operates on an annual budget of $3 million or higher. This allows them to maintain their commitment to serving the homeless population. Christ House is committed to maintaining hospitality while reducing risks to its vulnerable patients.
Christ House stands as a testament to compassion. It demonstrates dedication to those most in need. It is a place where healing begins and hope is restored.