This month Community of Hope recognized our 45 year anniversary! Forty-five years ago, on September 12, 1980, Community of Hope was signed into existence. What began with a single housing site and a small health clinic at 1417 Belmont Street in Columbia Heights has grown into a support system for thousands of families across Washington, DC.
Founded under the leadership of Rev. Tom Nees, Community of Hope was built on a simple but powerful vision: neighbors serving neighbors, centering the needs of the community, and creating space for hope to flourish.
Since it’s start, Community of Hope continued to grow guided by family needs and strengthened by partnerships. In the decades that followed, we opened new health centers, expanded housing services, and created community programs that wrapped families in care, compassion, and hope. By 2005, we became a federally qualified health center, ensuring that healthcare was accessible for all, regardless of income or insurance. By 2011, we welcomed the Family Health and Birth Center, expanding our ability to care for pregnant people and new families. We started our move to Ward 8 with Hope Apartments in 2006 and opening our health center and moving our administrative offices in 2014. Since 2007, housing services have grown from being just site-based to helping families stay stably housed in their apartments all across the city.
Today, the numbers tell a powerful story of impact: in 2024, we provided comprehensive healthcare to 15,716 patients and offered stable housing to 1,601 families and individuals. Beyond the numbers are the countless stories of families finding both healing and stability.
This 45th anniversary is more than a milestone; it reminds us of what’s possible when we focus on caring for families, improving lives, and leading change. We are deeply grateful to every staff member, volunteer, donor, partner, and neighbor who has been part of this journey. Together, we will continue to build a DC where everyone is healthy, housed, and hopeful.
We invite you to join us in celebrating this impact at Night of Hope on October 3, where we’ll honor the past and celebrate the present. You’ll also experience our Living History Exhibit, sharing stories, artifacts, and milestones that show how a small beginning grew into a mission that continues to transform lives.
Thank you for being part of our story —and for helping us write the next chapter of hope.
