Chronic homelessness is a prevalent problem in many parts of the United States, including its capital. These are the people who have been homeless for a prolonged period of time. Many of them have some form of disability, be it physical or mental. In D.C., a large number of the chronically homeless people are U.S. Military Veterans who were not able to adjust to civilian life. Miriam’s Kitchen is an organization in D.C. that aims to end this problem for good.

The people involved with Miriam’s Kitchen believe that there is a definite solution to chronic homelessness, and that solution is to establish permanent supportive housing. This type of housing not only gives the chronically homeless people a permanent residence, it also provides supportive services that specifically target the needs of the individuals living in the housing facility. The organization has already taken the first step by beginning a contract to provide supportive services and serve as coordinator between service providers, landlords, and 70 individuals under the Department of Human Services Permanent Supportive Housing Program.

Aside from advocating for this long term solution, Miriam’s Kitchen also provides short term relief to over 1,700 chronically homeless people in D.C. They serve breakfast and dinner on from Mondays to Fridays and provide case management services to understand the needs of the guests and provide clothing, toiletries, access to mental health services, a consistent phone and mailing information, identification services, employment assistance, and housing assistance.

Another program that Miriam’s Kitchen is known for is Miriam’s Studio. Open from Mondays to Fridays, this program provides guests with a therapeutic space where they can express themselves through art projects under the supervision of an art therapist. Miriam’s Studio provides a welcoming and trusting environment where guests can speak openly with the art therapists and case managers.