Empowering Women and Ending Homelessness: Calvary Women’s Services Celebrates 40th Anniversary
Organization Renews Commitment to Transforming Lives, Ending Homelessness for Good
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 6, 2023) — Calvary Women’s Services, a nonprofit dedicated to serving women experiencing homelessness in Washington, D.C., proudly announces the commemoration of the organization’s 40th anniversary. Since the organization’s inception in September 1983, Calvary has become a beacon of hope, empowering women experiencing homelessness to transform their lives through comprehensive programs.
From modest beginnings as an emergency shelter in the basement of Calvary Baptist Church, the organization has grown and evolved to boast six unique housing programs and the capacity to serve up to 250 women annually. Through the past four decades, Calvary has significantly expanded services, incorporating health, education, and employment programming to ensure women can access holistic care.
“As we celebrate Calvary’s 40th anniversary, we honor the incredible journey of transformation that countless women have embarked upon with us,” said Kris Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Calvary Women’s Services. “We recognize that significant work lies ahead to meet our goal of ending homelessness for good. With renewed determination, we look forward to continuing our mission and creating an environment where every woman can thrive.”
Each night over 1,300 women experience homelessness in Washington, D.C. according to the latest Point-In-Time Count. While unaccompanied women made up 26% of the unhoused population in the nation’s capital in 2023, only 4% of housing is specifically dedicated to them, underscoring the critical importance of Calvary’s services.
The success of Calvary’s programs can be attributed to the unwavering dedication of staff, volunteers, supporters, and visionary leaders who advocate for women working to end their homelessness – and to the women who are taking steps to transform their lives each day.
“Calvary’s 40th anniversary is a testament to the resilience of the women we serve and the community that surrounds them,” said Candace McLaren Lanham, President of Calvary’s Board of Directors. “I’m grateful to be a part of an organization that is dedicated to ensuring women have the tools needed to transform their lives.”
To celebrate this historic milestone, Calvary Women’s Services has planned an exciting lineup of events throughout the year, including the 2023 In This Together Community Walk in October and Home for the Holidays in December. The annual Hope Gala will mark the culmination of Calvary’s 40th anniversary in April 2024.
As Calvary looks ahead, the organization remains steadfast in its vision of a world where every woman in Washington, D.C. has a safe, stable place to call home.
For more information about Calvary Women’s Services and the organization’s impactful work, please visit calvaryservices.org
About Calvary Women’s Services
Calvary Women’s Services empowers homeless women to transform their lives through housing, health, education, and employment programs. Calvary provides these services in Wards 7 and 8, neighborhoods with the highest poverty rates in Washington, DC. Calvary programs help women who are survivors of violence and trauma, are living with mental illness, or are in recovery from substance abuse.
Media Contact:
Abby Strickler
Communications Director
astrickler@calvaryservices.org
202.678.2341 | ext. 224