#GivingTuesdayNow is Tuesday, May 5

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Today is #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of giving in response to the unprecedented need caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. People all around the world are coming together to tap into the power of human connection and encourage collective giving, unity, and healing. We hope that you will support Everyone Home DC’s COVID-19 response efforts on this day of giving!

Your donation today will help the individuals and families we work with each day as our country responds to this pandemic. Everyone Home DC is dedicated to reimagining how we provide supportive services as well as timely and critical resources to individuals and families at risk of or experiencing homelessness in our city. 

Your #GivingTuesdayNow support ensures Everyone Home DC can respond quickly and efficiently today and in the months ahead. Now is the time to be there for individuals and families in our city most impacted by gaps in our social safety net.

Thank you for standing with Everyone Home DC on #GivingTuesdayNow and always.

Your 2019 Annual Report

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It has been a year! Well, 373 days to be exact, since we officially became Everyone Home DC. And, one year since we gathered at the Hill Center to unveil the new name and brand at our inaugural Spring Social. 

You have so warmly embraced our new name, making it clear that Everyone Home DC effectively communicates our mission and reflects our diverse community. And, most importantly, it aligns with our shared values of the District of Columbia as a thriving and diverse community, where all people can obtain and remain in safe, affordable, and comfortable homes. 

With all that said, I am pleased to present—on behalf of our Board of Directors, staff, and clients—your 2019 Everyone Home DC Annual Report. Within these pages, we celebrate all that you made possible in 2019.

As the 2019 Annual Report was nearing completion and sent off to the printer, the promising start of 2020 quickly shifted to uncertainty and the inevitability that a new normal lies ahead due to the current pandemic. Events like our Annual Spring Social, where we planned to celebrate this past year and distribute this report for the first time, have been canceled. When we look back at this report, highlighting our successes and knowing the challenges, 2019 feels like a simpler time. But the one thing that is forever constant is your continued support. Thank you for standing with us during this past historic year, today, and in the delicate months ahead.

If you aren’t able to see Everyone Home DC’s 2019 Annual Report below, click this link to view in a new tab.

EHDC Annual Report 2019 - WEB

Support Local During COVID-19

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Without question the food and beverage industries have been strong allies to nonprofits over the decades—donating their time, talent, and delicious resources—in support of a variety of critical causes and missions both locally in our city and all across our United States.  In response to the novel coronavirus pandemic, many of these businesses have been forced to shutter their doors to ensure staff and guests remain safe. Many restaurants that close now may never re-open.

At Everyone Home DC, our signature fundraising event, Sip and Savor, relies on food and beverage professionals who donate their time AND unlimited tastings to support ending homelessness in our city. Of course, our event, like so many others, is up in the air as we check in with our partners who are instrumental in the evening’s success as well as closely monitoring public health guidance to ensure the plans for our clients, staff, and supporters we put in place are appropriate.

During this time of transition, we want to ensure we are supporting our culinary and beverage community. Here are a few ways you can join us! We are sharing a list of Sip and Savor Unlimited Tastings Partners below, if you want to support our partners specifically. 

  • Order delivery, takeout, or make an advanced purchase. We love the resources available from the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington that shares who is providing take-out and delivery services.
  • Purchase gift cards, merchandise, & contribute to family relief funds.Support your favorite restaurants, breweries, cideries, distilleries, and wineries through unique opportunities that they share out on their website or social media pages. This Support DC Businesses website allows you to search by food, bar/alcohol, and beyond to see where you can be of support!
  • Contribute to funds established for individuals working in these industries. VinePair has a running list of funds and organizations that are supporting laid-off hospitality workers.

    Advocate!
  • Contact your representatives and remind them that our restaurant and hospitality industry needs the support of our government to survive. Check out resources from National Restaurant Association to get more involved.
  • Distilleries making hand sanitizer are still being charged federal excise tax if the alcohol they’re using is not denatured. Contact your representatives (it takes 30 seconds) to urge them to waive this tax.

Are we missing anything? Let us know! We would be happy to add it to this post.

 

CARES Act & Giving

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On March 27, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or CARES Act, was signed into law and made changes to encourage charitable giving to nonprofits. This bill includes a new above-the-line deduction for non-itemizers and modified certain limitations on the income tax charitable deduction to encourage donors to give in 2020. This targeted relief recognizes the important role charities play during the pandemic and provides additional tax benefits for taxpayers supporting charities.

In case you are interested in learning more:

  • New $300 Deduction for Qualified Charitable Donations 
    Individuals who take the standard deduction can claim an above-the-line tax deduction for cash donations to qualified charitable organizations, up to $300. It remains uncertain whether Congress intends to allow this new charitable deduction for non-itemizers in future years, or if this is a one-time incentive as part of the COVID-19 disaster response.
  • 60% of Adjusted Gross Income Limit Suspended for 2020
    For the 2020 tax year, individuals can deduct any cash contributions made to qualified charitable organizations, up to 100% of their adjusted gross income (AGI). Deductions for cash donations were previously limited to 60% of the taxpayer’s AGI.
  • Corporations’ 10% Limit Increased to 25% for 2020
    For the 2020 tax year, corporations can deduct up to 25% of the taxpayer’s taxable income for any cash contributions made to qualified charitable organizations. Deductions for cash donations were previously limited to 10% of the taxpayer’s taxable income.
  • Exclusions
    Charitable contributions carried over from a prior tax year (before 2020) are excluded from this temporary relief and are subject to previous limitations in the tax code. And charitable contributions to private non-operating foundations, supporting organizations and sponsoring organizations to fund donor advised funds do not qualify for the modified percentage limitations for 2020.

Gifts to Everyone Home DC COVID-19 Response Efforts
You can also support Everyone Home DC with a qualified charitable distribution from your IRA, if you are age 70.5 or older. Deduction limitations for charitable gifts to donor-advised funds, private non-operating foundations, and supporting organizations were not changed under the CARES Act.

Questions?

Please talk with your accountant to learn more about the CARES Act specifically. If you have any questions or want to discuss the best way to support Everyone Home DC, please contact Kate Akalonu, Director of Strategic Initiatives at akalonu@everyonehomedc.org. You can also visit our “Make-a-Gift” page to learn more.

COVID-19: Our New Normal

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Dear Friend,

Deep breath in. Deep breath out. How are you doing right now? These past couple of weeks have been moving so fast, with new information coming at us all day long. We are all going through a collective traumatic experience right now, which requires each of us to be extra gentle with ourselves as well as others. 

As we settle into what is our new normal, all of us at Everyone Home DC are filled with extreme gratitude for the love we have felt from our amazing champions (YOU!) who have reached out to ask how to help, shared words of encouragement, and made donations to ensure we remain agile during this unprecedented time. Thank you!

We are all feeling vulnerable, anxious, and concerned. And, due to the economic injustice that we know has existed in our society for decades, the individuals and families we work with—who were facing crisis and instability long before this pandemic—are feeling far more exposed to the harshness of this new reality. 

Please consider making a donation today in support of the individuals and families we work with each day during this uncertain time. 

The fast-paced spread of COVID-19 brings new situations that we have never experienced as an organization in our 50 years of existence. Everyone Home DC is dedicated during this time to reimagining how we provide supportive services as well as timely and critical resources to individuals and families at risk of or experiencing homelessness in our city. 

  • We continue  to provide case management support for families in our housing and prevention programs by phone and email, ensuring housing stability and access to much needed resources and support.
  • Our drop-in day center, Shirley’s Place, is currently closed and continues to assist clients with mail pick up throughout the week and responding to emergency situations remotely.
  • Our Street Outreach team is working closely with local partners to ensure individuals who sleep outside are receiving health and welfare checks and access to basic needs resources.
  • We are advocating for safe housing alternatives and practices in shelters and making hand-washing stations, bathrooms, and food available to those who live outside.
  • We are sharing up-to-date announcements and resources on Everyone Home DC’s website. 

Help Everyone Home DC respond quickly and efficiently during this great time of need. If there is any time to be there for the individuals and families in our city who are most impacted by gaps in our social safety net—it is now. With your gift today to Everyone Home DC, we will be prepared to move with speed and agility as we stand beside the people we work with and confront, together, the challenges that most certainly lie ahead.

Thank you in advance for your support. We cannot do this without you. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here for you during this time, in the same way that you continue to always be here for us.

In the cause,
Karen Cunningham
Executive Director

Important Resources:

Distance Learning Resources for Parents

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With school closures lasting through April in DC (at the moment!) during the COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic, distance learning has become the new normal for families in our region and across the nation. Teachers are tasked with figuring out how to deliver lesson plans and classroom activities as part of distance learning. And, parents and guardians are trying to keep their children on track with their studies and educational growth.

Deep breaths! In addition to materials your school has provided, there are TONS of options available (for FREE!) online. We started to compile a list and wanted to share it with you. We will continue to update it as resources appear. So if you are looking to explore lots of lessons about space with NASA; go on a field trip to a dairy farm, ride roller coasters at Disney, or check out the beluga whales at the Georgia Aquarium; share a coloring play date with a friend; join an art tutorial session; take a dance class — there are lots of opportunities available to help us pass the time while practicing social distance.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS

We hope you find this resource helpful.
If there is anything you think we should add, email Kate at akalonu@everyonehomedc.org to share.

 

COVID-19: The Weeks Ahead

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*Update* Everyone Home DC offices are currently closed and our team is working remotely. Currently, we plan to re-open our offices on Monday, June 8.

As we work through these unprecedented times as a community, the health and safety of our clients, staff, and supporters is our top priority. 

Public health guidance and the District’s response continue to change rapidly and Everyone Home DC is working closely with our city leaders and government partners to ensure that the plans we put in place appropriately support the many individuals and families in DC who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. We will use our social media platforms, Google Business pages, and website to share operational updates as they unfold. 

With guidance from DC Health, DC Department of Human Services, DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, CDC, and  World Health Organization, Everyone Home DC has developed a Continuity of Operations Plan for COVID-19 to guide the operations of Everyone Home DC through this time.

Current steps we are taking include:

  • Implementing appropriate screening procedures and enhanced cleaning protocols specific to the virus.
  • Closing our day center, Shirley’s Place, and directing guests to other resources.
  • Continuing Street Outreach in a way that limits risk to our clients, while allowing  us to do health and welfare checks.
  • Closing our offices and providing homelessness prevention and supportive services to families primarily by phone and email.
  • Pausing our volunteer programs through the end of April, with plans to evaluate resuming at that time. 
  • Providing regular communication to staff and clients as the situation evolves.

Many are asking what you can do to help. Here are ways to support our most immediate needs:

  • First and foremost—prioritize yourself and your family. Ensure your needs are met and your family isn’t exhibiting any signs of illness. We will share some resources below in case they are helpful. 
  • We have an URGENT need for hand sanitizer, disposable face masks in packaging, and $10-$20 gift cards to Dunkin’ Donuts, McDonalds, and Subway. If you find any of these items, please consider donating them in-kind. Please contact Kate at akalonu@everyonehomedc.org to coordinate a drop-off.
  • Consider making a monetary donation to Everyone Home DC to be used towards the greatest needs during this unprecedented time.

We are very concerned about our unhoused neighbors who are particularly vulnerable to serious illness from COVID-19. And, we believe this crisis will have significant impacts on the people we work with, especially combined with the increased anxiety and stress of the unknown that lays ahead. Like always, with your support, we plan to be here not just today, but in the weeks and months ahead, working as a community to address any of the impacts felt from this moment. 

 

We will continue to be in touch as we know more and understand the implications of this pandemic for any future planning. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out. 

 

In the cause,
Karen Cunningham
Executive Director

Important Resources:

Vote Us Best of DC!

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It is that time of the year…Best of DC is here! Take a couple minutes (if that) and vote Everyone Home DC Washington City Paper’s Best Nonprofit and Everyone Home DC’s Sip and Savor Best Charity Event!

Each year, Washington City Paper gives its readers a list of categories and asks YOU to name the very best of everything in DC. At Everyone Home DC, we believe our long-time work of and leadership in creating a thriving and diverse city where all people can obtain and remain in safe, affordable, and comfortable homes makes Everyone Home DC an obvious “Best Nonprofit” choice. AND, with 3 hours of tastings from 25 of our city’s most sought after food and beverage purveyors, it is time to let DC know Sip and Savor is one of The Best!

Voting is easy and takes but a minute. Click this link to get to the online ballot. Select “People and Places”, scroll down the alphabetical list stopping first at “Best Charity Event” and type Everyone Home DC Sip and Savor in the vote box, then enter your email address and select submit. Then, continue scrolling to “Best Nonprofit” and type Everyone Home DC in the vote box, at this point you are logged in, so just select submit. That’s it!

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Black History Month: What We are Reading

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One way Everyone Home DC is choosing to honor Black history (this month and every month) is to intentionally and continuously grow our knowledge of racists policies and practices that impact the creation of equitable systems and structures. Check out some of the articles, podcasts, and books that we are following below and if there is anything we are missing our should have on our radar, we are always looking to grow our library. Shoot us an email at info@everyonehomedc.org and share with us what you are reading.

Updated on February 16, 2020

Partnering with Enterprise to Address Homelessness in Our City

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Everyone Home DC is excited to announce a new grant partnership with Enterprise’s Mid-Atlantic Market. The $40,000 grant will enhance the services Everyone Home DC’s Street Outreach team provides individuals experiencing homelessness in the Eastern Market neighborhood. The Street Outreach team utilizes a person-centered approach to build and maintain relationships with our chronically homeless neighbors, and supports them in meeting their immediate needs and achieving their long term goals, which includes obtaining stable housing. Additionally, the grant will support Everyone Home DC’s advocacy work and growing its Faith Community Council, allowing Everyone Home DC to engage clients and community members in advocating for funding to end homelessness and other issues that directly affect people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in the District.

“I am beyond thrilled that Enterprise Community Partners has chosen to invest in Everyone Home DC’s work to end homelessness in the District of Columbia. Our Enterprise grant will enable us to enhance the services we provide for individuals experiencing homelessness in the areas of essential needs, wellness, income and learning,” shared Everyone Home DC Executive Director Karen Cunningham. “We will be able to not only address immediate survival needs, but also provide a range of other supports that our clients need in order to obtain and maintain housing, and ultimately, to thrive.”

Read more about this exciting opportunity on Enterprise’s website.

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