The SHARC (Shelter, Housing and Respectful Change) Advocacy Group is an assembly of homeless advocates, activists, homeless and formerly homeless individuals and concerned citizens that have joined together through business, non-profit affiliations, outreach and personal needs to become a force for change (respectful change) in the way that the homeless community of the District of Columbia are treated and looked upon. Our intent is to be “the” body in which all issues of homelessness that are brought before us, can and will be resolved in a professional manner and in proper order.

     Currently we meet every Monday (except holidays) from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pmin the Drop-In Center (basement) of the CCNV (Community for Creative Non-Violence) Shelter located at 425 2nd Street NW in Washington, DC. The nearest Metro Station is Judiciary Square Station on the red line. Buses D3 (morning rush hour only) and D6 stop right next to the shelter.  Parking is limited.

SHARC has already:

1 -- remained intact even after the worst of the budget cuts to Human Services were reversed and a tragedy was averted (which is no small feat)

2 -- led a march of homeless people and their allies to the John A. Wilson Bldg. (City Hall) and visited with council members about our concerns over the budget

3 -- held a formal meeting with Councilmember Jim Graham and begun to develop a relationship with him and his office.

SHARC plans to:

1 -- politicize the homeless issue such that our public officials won't be able to ignore us and will be forced to publicly state their positions on homelessness when making public speeches (as opposed to sweeping the issue under the rug)

2 -- be proactive in our approach to ending homelessness (as opposed toreacting to the mayor's harmful budget after it has been developed)

3 -- involve homeless people and their allies in our citywide effort to address the issues of the homeless population -- i.e. to do outreach to the homeless in various shelters and at various other homeless services as well as organizations and individuals who we know are sympathetic to our cause so as to inform them on a regular basis about what SHARC is doing and to invite them and/or their representatives to meetings.

Meetings are open to the public. We hope to see you at a meeting soon.

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