The National Center for Children and Families (NCCF) was selected by DC Mayor Muriel Bowser to operate The Kennedy, the first of several new Short-Term Family Housing programs to open this fall. The Kennedy will open its doors to families at the beginning of October. A ribbon cutting ceremony, hosted by Mayor Bowser, is planned for September 26, 2018 at 11:00 AM, and will be attended by NCCF’s Executive Director, Dr. Sheryl Brissett Chapman, as well as other NCCF leaders and Board members.

“The agency has a proven track record in effectively assisting families while they find stable housing within the community. Our programming and services are a recognized model, which we are excited to bring to the Ward 4 community in partnership with the DC Department of Human Services (DHS),” said Dr. Chapman. “The Kennedy’s professional team is prepared ensure a safe environment, access to community resources, and instill a sense of hopefulness through their day-to-day interactions.”

The Kennedy will provide trauma-informed shelter and meals to children experiencing homelessness and their parents as well as comprehensive services to support their ability to relocate to stable housing within three months. This program has the capacity to serve 45 District families experiencing homelessness at any given time and will serve more than 120 families over the first year. NCCF’s team at The Kennedy will provide families with the opportunity to improve their social and economic efficacy and family self-sufficiency. Families experiencing homelessness in the District may access services and be referred to The Kennedy at Virginia Williams Family Resource Center.

“We are honored to be selected as a service provider by Mayor Bowser and for her vision to end recurring and chronic homelessness in the District,” said NCCF Communications Director Rachel Spassiani. “NCCF is committed to creating an empowering and dignified space for District families as they find stable housing for their children.”