WISH LIST $100: dinners for 1 woman and her child for 1 month; $200: critical hygiene and personal safety items for 100 clients; $1000: transportation for 400 clients to and from doctors' appointments and job interviews

Each year the Dinner Program for Homeless Women welcomes hard-to-reach, homeless men, women, and children. From infants to 83-year old great-grandmothers, they are the most vulnerable and marginalized of our neighbors, those whom other programs may not accept or cannot get to the door: some suffer from mental illness or substance abuse (or both); others have been victims of sexual violence; 80% of female clients live with HIV/AIDS or other chronic health problems. They come for something simple: a hot, nutritious breakfast for men and women, and dinner for women and children. They also find showers and laundry facilities; mail, phone, and computers; personal care supplies; and emergency clothing and blankets. Once they're comfortable, DPHW assesses their needs and helps them on-site or refers them to providers who assist with shelter, medical and legal care, and more. An employment program offers intensive on-the-job training and life-skills coaching. For 30 years, DPHW has been serving generous portions of food - and help, and hope - to Washington’s homeless. Pass the plate, please.

Erika Barry, Executive Director 309 E Street NW Washington, DC 20001 202-737-9311 ext. 503 www.dphw.org