WASHINGTON, D.C. – A recent explosion in Southeast D.C. not only caused damage to a day care and a convenience store but also left the Calvary Women’s Services’ Good Hope building in a state of disrepair. The building, which supports women experiencing homelessness, suffered smoke and water damage, making it uncertain when renovations can begin or when the facility will reopen.
Kris Thompson, CEO of Calvary Women’s Services, revealed that the Good Hope building in Anacostia serves as a transitional housing site, offering housing and support services to 45 women each night. The organization also provides assistance to women experiencing homelessness and domestic violence survivors, ensuring access to mental health care, case management, employment services, and educational classes.
The gas explosion that occurred on January 18th at a neighboring building caused smoke and water damage at the Calvary Women’s Services facility, with boarded-up windows and bare floors evident during a recent walk-through. While all 30 women and staff were safely evacuated at the time of the explosion, the building now requires extensive restoration work on all three floors.
The women who were residing in the building at the time of the explosion have been relocated to the organization’s other facilities, but the capacity is currently limited. The group is faced with an unclear timeline for reopening the building, as well as unknown repair costs. To address these challenges, Calvary Women’s Services has initiated a “Restoring Hope” fundraising campaign to ensure that resources are available to support the women in need.
The organization runs six housing programs in D.C., and despite the setback caused by the explosion, they remain committed to providing the necessary resources and support to help end homelessness for women in the community. As the group continues to work with contractors and insurance companies, they are hopeful for a successful restoration of the building and the continuation of vital programming for women in need.