holidays Archives - The District Alliance for Safe Housing

12 Days to Make the Season Bright for DASH Families!

It’s not too late to consider a gift for the District Alliance for Safe Housing (DASH)!

DASH’s programs help prevent homelessness for women and children who have survived domestic violence; and help them to establish safe, independent lives on their own terms.

We decided to make it easy for you to give.

Click on the link below to make your year-end donation to DASH!

Donate Now

Your giving will allow a family a fresh start and their NEW YEAR can begin TODAY.

DASH has grown to become D.C.’s largest dedicated safe housing provider for survivors and their families. We are able to continue to provide these services for survivors with your support!

23,870 safe housing bed nights to 220 individuals (74 women and 97 children);

prevent another 350 individuals from falling into homelessness by facilitating their placements in emergency, transitional, and permanent housing; and

assist over 1,500 survivors to exercise their housing rights to avoid unlawful eviction stemming from violence in their homes through our community outreach efforts each year.

Thank you for your support!

DASHing into the Holidays

DASH is really gearing up Christmas!! On Saturday, December 7, 2013, DASH had a holiday party hosted by Washington Biggest Givers on Saturday. We had an awesome time with volunteers and residents as we decorated the tree, had hot chocolate and popcorn, made ornaments and colored Christmas pictures!! If you haven’t had the opportunity, please check out our Holiday Wish List to make a donation to support the families of DASH!

A Happy Mother’s Day at DASH

Every holiday is worth celebrating, but for the busy families living in DASH programs, holidays sometimes go by unnoticed. Luckily, this Mother’s Day, DASH received generous gifts from local organizations to make the holiday memorable for everyone.

Following their incredible donations for other holidays throughout the year, The Red Derby donated Mother’s Day gift bags for Cornerstone residents and Empowerment Project participants. Each bag was beautifully decorated and filled with unique gifts meant to remind moms how special they are. Thank you to The Red Derby once again for all that you do!

Over the past few years, DASH has undergone many changes. Despite these changes, DASH has always counted on Jewish Women International to make Mother’s Day extraordinary for our residents with their annual donation of flowers and OPI products. This year, residents were particularly delighted by the variety of nail products and beautiful flowers donated. DASH is so grateful for JWI’s continued support in celebrating the courageous women in our programs.

Thank you to all of our donors for brightening special occasions for our residents! If you are interested in making a donation for a special event or holiday, please contact Dana Arneson, Development Specialist, at 202-462-3274 x 1228 or by email at darneson@dashdc.wpengine.com.

Spotlight on Our Supporters: MOI

DASH is grateful for its network of supporters, and will be featuring interviews with those companies, foundations and businesses. Today, the spotlight is on MOI, a full service furniture dealership, and an interview with Jennifer Ives.

1. How did MOI first find out about DASH and how did you decide to become such a strong corporate partner?

We first learned about DASH from a previous team member, Carolyn Franco. Carolyn and I discussed doing an Art show to raise funds for DASH and to show off our industry artistic talents. MOI has always been involved in the community. This year we are moving to a more structured Corporate Social Responsibility.

2. What has it been like working with DASH so far?

It’s been wonderful. MOI and DASH have built a strong relationship. The passion that the team at DASH have for the mission has driven engagement from MOI’s team – the grass roots enthusiasm has been shown through the gifts and donations we were able to collect during the holidays.

3. Does MOI have a history of other community partnerships?

Yes, through both financial and in-kind donations. We also have a history of employees donating their time and effort through collective ventures like the Real Estate game for JDRF and Habitat for Humanity. We frequently team our efforts with manufacturing partners for donations.

4. What were some of the values you wanted to bring from your company in this partnership?

MOI’s core values expressed with our mission statement; Agility, Accountability, Growth, Excellence, and Commitment. We believe DASH supports and drives these for their clients, making it a natural partnership.

5. What would you like DASH residents to experience when they come to stay?

We would like the new DASH residents to feel safety, peace of mind and hope for the future.
6. What would you hope other businesses and corporations would do to invest in safe housing for the District?
MOI hopes for awareness followed by action.
7. What are you looking forward to in your relationship with DASH coming up?

We are looking forward to building awareness and support for the cause of safe housing and safe lives. We are also looking forward to increased exposure for MOI through this partnership.

Thank you so much, MOI! DASH appreciates you!

Thank you for DASH’s Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving, generous community members all over the Greater DC area worked to ensure that DASH program participants celebrated Thanksgiving to its fullest extent. Due to their efforts, every participant enjoyed a hearty Thanksgiving meal with all the fixings, allowing them to celebrate despite the hardships that they have endured. Men Can Stop Rape youth participants did fantastic work to mobilize donors.

We are grateful for the churches, schools, restaurants, and businesses whose members donated time, space, and food in order to make Thanksgiving memorable for our residents. Special thanks go out to The Red Derby and the Potomac Lighthouse Charter School for collecting an overwhelming amount of canned goods and Thanksgiving fixings for Cornerstone residents. At Potomac Lighthouse, Ms. Fell’s fourth grade class (pictured) collected more food than any other class, winning the first-ever Turkey Trophy!

On Thanksgiving Day, E&G Group teamed up with First New Hope Baptist Church for the second year in a row to provide a home-cooked meal to all Cornerstone residents. Located in the church’s basement, E&G’s Thanksgiving feast was a huge success, and residents enjoyed sharing the meal together with their families.

Finally, a turkey and fixings was delivered to each Empowerment Project participant. Thanks to the generosity of the Park Road Community Church, none of the families in our scattered site program had to worry about buying a Thanksgiving meal.

DASH extends its most heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to Thanksgiving celebrations. Your thoughtfulness has given our residents as well as our staff something to be truly thankful for this year!

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