Essential Support - Furniture

Essential Support is A Wider Circle’s largest program, redistributing beds, dressers, tables, chairs, dishes, pots, pans, and other large and small home goods from community donors to families transitioning out of shelters, escaping domestic violence, or otherwise living without their basic need items. It is the only program providing this service free-of-charge across the entire Washington, DC region. For many, we are the only resource for turning empty spaces into stable and dignified homes. The child sleeping on the floor each night and the mother struggling to provide for her family inspire us to pursue this crisis with the urgency it demands. Individuals and families call on their own or are referred to A Wider Circle by more than 300 government or nonprofit social service agencies, large and small. After speaking to our staff and scheduling an appointment to visit our Center for Community Service, people have the opportunity to select the items they need, free of charge.

 

Target Population: Low-income residents and those experiencing poverty

Intake/Eligibility: Clients can reach out directly to us or be referring through another social service organization or agency. For our essential support (furniture) program it is recommended to go through a referral with your caseworker, but anyone can sign up to our waiting list.

Essential Support - Professional Clothing

A Wider Circle’s Professional Development Center – through which we serve more than 3,000 individuals each year – has a showroom of professional attire and accessories that is… better than Bloomingdale’s and nicer than Nordstrom. Anyone in need of professional attire and accessories is welcome, regardless of whether or not they are enrolled in our classes. People are encouraged to choose a professional wardrobe for an entire work week at no cost to the client.

 

Target Population: Low-income residents and those experiencing poverty

Intake/Eligibility: Clients can reach out directly to us or be referring through another social service organization or agency. For our essential support (furniture) program it is recommended to go through a referral with your caseworker, but anyone can sign up to our waiting list.