Frequently Asked Questions

Please look through the list of questions below to find the answer to your questions. If you can't find your answer below, try searching for a key word in the box on the upper right side of the website.  If that doesn't work, please contact us at development@cflsdc.org  or call 202-347-0511 ext 415.  Thanks for checking us out!

• Contributions
• Ventures
• Volunteer Activities
• Events
• Donated Items
• General Questions
• Emergency Community Services
• Employment and Job Training
• Housing
• Youth Education and Advocacy
• Health and Wellness Services
• Senior Youth Services

Contributions Questions

• How can I contribute to Community Family Life Services?

·          There are a variety of different ways to contribute to CFLS for more information visit Donate or call 202-347-0511 ext 415 

• Can I designate my donation to a specific program?

·          Yes! If there is a specific program that you are interested in supporting, please designate said program in the memo note on your check or include a note with your donation that specifies the program you would like to support.  CFLS will designate 100% of your donation to that program.  

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Ventures Questions

• What is the connection between DejaNEW and CFLS?

·          DejaNEW was founded by CFLS but has been an independent operation since October 2006

• What is the connection between New Course, 3rd & Eats and CFLS?

·          New Course Catering and 3^rd & Eats have combined under the name New Course and are run independently of CFLS

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Volunteer Questions

• What sorts of volunteer activities do you have for youth?

·          CFLS has volunteer opportunities for Children age 10 and up with the help of parent or teacher supervision.  In the past young students have helped pack food bags, help cook and serve Saturday breakfast, and collect and/or sort toy donations during the holiday. 

• I am bringing a group into town.  What sort of volunteer activity can we do?

·          CFLS has a variety of one-time group volunteer opportunities, including: Site maintenance at Milestone Place, such as painting, landscaping, shoveling, or cleaning; Cleaning or preping the Youth Department; Sorting and organizing in-kind donations for the Clothing Room; Sorting toys for the Give-a-Gift program; Organizing the food room or packing food backs;  Walking in the Help the Homeless Walkathon.

• How do I become a volunteer?

·          If you are interested in volunteering, please email volunteer@cflsdc.org to receive a volunteer application.  After you have submitted your application, you will be asked to come to the office for an informal interview to asses how your kindness may be mutually beneficial.

• What kind of volunteer opportunities are available?

·          All current volunteer opportunities are listed in the volunteer section of the web page.

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Events Questions

• Can I buy tickets to your Auction online?

·          No.  To buy tickets to our Annual Auction Gala you can mail a check or credit card number to
CFLS - Attn. Events
305 E Street NW
Washington, DC 20001

       or call in a credit card number to 202-347-0511 ext 205.  For more information please click here. 

• Can I donate items to the Auction online?

·          Yes!!  You can donate items to the auction by "Creating an Account through Silent Auction Pro.   Once you create your account, join the group "2009 CFLS Gala Auction".   Your request will be approved by CFLS and then you will be able to enter your donations online.  For technical assistance, please contact us at CFLSEVENTS@cflsdc.org.

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In-Kind Questions

• What kinds of donations do you accept?

·          CFLS accepts gently used clothing, blankets, shoes, as well as new toiletries.  CFLS also accepts furniture, toys and books on certain occasions - please call 202-347-0511 ext 415 for more information or to schedule a drop off.

• Are you in need of any in-kind items right now?

·          We are currently in need of 12 new twin mattresses, and gently used furniture.

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General Questions

• What are your hours?

·          CFLS is open Monday through Friday from 10am to 1pm for walk-ins and 10am to 6pm by appointment.

• When you say you are a faith-based organization, what do you mean?
• Do you proselytize?

·          No, CFLS services are in no way contingent on faith or religious affiliation.

• Do you provide emergency services to people who do not live in Wards 6 or 8?

·          We provide clothing and referral services to everyone regardless of ward.

·          Due to funding limitations, emergency food, rent and utility assistance are limited to Ward 6 residents only.

• Do you provide food for people who live in shelters?

·          We provide breakfast one Saturday a month through out the winter, which largely accommodates individuals living in shelters.  For  more information contact us at (202) 347-0511 Ext. 415.

• Are you a shelter for homeless families?

·          No, we are not a shelter for homeless families.  We provide 2 year transitional housing for families that would otherwise be homeless in addition to a variety of services to help lift families and individuals out of poverty.

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Community Services Questions

• When can I come and get clothing?

·          The clothing room is open from 10 to 12 on Wednesday and Thursday for women and Friday for men. 

• I need food.  Can you help me?

·          Yes, CFLS provides emergency food to individuals living in ward 6.

• When can I pick up food?

·          Food is distributed from 10am to 1pm on Tuesday mornings.

• When is the Employment Center open?

·          The Employment Center is open on Monday and Wednesday from 10am to 1pm

• Do I need a referral to access your services?

·          No.

• Can I receive my birth certificate or identification?

·          No, however, we do provide referrals.

• Can I have my food bag delivered to me?

·          Potentially, we currently deliver food to homebound seniors living in ward 6 on the third Thursday of the month.

• Do I need to make an appointment to receive rental or utilities assistance?

·          Yes.

•  Are you able to provide meat in your food bags?

·          We provide at least two different canned meats.

• Do you have to take a drug test to qualify for a program?

·          A drug test is required for people applying to our housing programs.

• Can you help people pay a security deposit?
• Do you provide bus passes or travel assistance?

·          No, we currently do not have travel assistance.

• I do not have an address.  Can I have my mail forwarded to me at CFLS?

·          No, CFLS currently does not have the capacity to receive mail for individual clients who do not live at one of our housing sites.

• What is involved in being assigned a case manager?
• If I get assistance from you for rent, will I also be able to get help with my utilities bills?

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Employment Questions

• Do you still offer job training courses?
• Do I need to sign up to use the employment resource center?
• Are there any mandatory classes?
• Can CFLS help me get a police clearance?
• What kind of job can I get? 

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Housing Questions

• How do I apply for housing at CFLS?

·          In order to apply for CFLS housing, you must schedule a meeting with our Intake Department, where you will speak with an Intake Counselor who will ensure that you meet requirements necessary to enter into our housing program and to verify that we have housing that will suit your needs.

• What if I do not qualify for housing at CFLS?

·          If you do not qualify for CFLS housing, you will usually be referred to another program in the city better suited to your individual needs.

• When will you be accepting applications for transitional housing?
• Do you provide housing for people with disabilities?
• Do you assist people who have just moved into a new apartment with purchasing or obtaining furniture, beds, and appliances?
• Do you know of any places that will rent rooms to people who receive social security checks or Section 8?
• Do you have any programs for pregnant women who need housing?
• Do you accept section 8 housing vouchers?
• Are you associated with 1133 North Capitol Street (the DC Housing Authority).

·          Our SRO Milestone Place is a Project based voucher program and is associated with DCHA  are rent subsidies that are tied to specific apartment units. Additional information concerning Mod 8 Rehabilitation Programs and SROs can be found at either  link www.hud.gov  or  http://www.dchousing.org/

• How quickly can I get into your housing program?

·          This depends on a variety of circumstances, including vacancies in our current housing programs, completion of the application process, a series of interviews, and how well we feel our programs are suited to you (and vice versa).

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Youth Questions

• Can I sign my child up for your programs?
• Do you do testing for learning disabilities?
• Can I volunteer to tutor?

·          Yes.  Click on this link.

• Can I donate a special skill or talent?

·          Yes.  Click here to learn more.

• Can I donate supplies to your kids?

·          Yes.  We are always in need of school supplies and art supplies.  Back packs, white button down shirts, puzzles, board games, and uno cards are also always in demand.

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Health and Wellness Questions

• Do you still host Alcoholics Anonymous meetings at your location?

·          No, however, there is an AA meeting hosted next door at First Trinity Lutheran Church

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