We Are Family Senior Outreach Network, Inc. 

Washington, D.C. 

We Are Family has an interesting beginning. It was started as the result of a contribution from, and volunteer involvement of, people in the punk music scene in Washington, D.C. We Are Family helps to bridge the gap between older adults who need services and the services that are available – and often unknown to the person needing help. From serving 50 older adults in 2004 to over 725 older adults monthly in 2018, We Are Family provides monthly bags of food, shopping trips, farmers’ market produce deliveries, birthday recognition, Thanksgiving baskets and holiday gifts.

In 2019, We Are Family received a $10,000 for its food program. The need for food for low-income older adults is rapidly increasing; as such, the primary goal is to ensure consistent access to nutritious food, whether through food delivery or shopping transportation. Although located in the heart of a major metropolitan area, it is difficult for many older adults to access low-cost, nutritious food without some form of assistance.

In early 2019, a management company that runs several apartment complexes, served by We Are Family, asked for immediate assistance for two dozen older residents who were moved abruptly into their new building. They had been displaced due to a catastrophic fire at the nearby Arthur Capper Senior Public Housing complex. These older adults were traumatized by the major fire and their limited resources were stretched even further. We Are Family was able to add these new arrivals to their monthly grocery delivery list. One particular older adult, Ms. W., was especially shaken by the move and was struggling greatly to afford sufficient food to eat. We Are Family helped her apply for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program for a large monthly supply of food, and while she waited for her application to be approved, We Are Family was able to provide her with regular emergency food to make sure she would not go hungry. She is now receiving the Commodity Supplemental Food Program food, which has eased her crisis.

To learn more about We Are Family Senior Outreach Network, Inc. visit: www.wearefamilydc.org.