Updates & FAQs
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Here are some frequently asked questions about our volunteer, mentor, and internship programs. If you have questions about the volunteer application or any of our programs, please contact our Volunteer Team at volunteer@cohdc.org.

Important contacts and resources to help start your journey with Community of Hope.

Here are some frequently asked questions about our Healthcare Services

Here are some frequently asked questions about our Birth Services.

Here are some frequently asked questions about our Housing programs.

Here are some frequently asked questions about our volunteer, mentor, and internship programs.

If you are a family in need of housing and social services, please go to District of Columbia’s Virginia Williams Family Resource Center.

Administrative Offices
4 Atlantic St, SW
Washington DC 20032
EIN: 52-1184749

Please call to schedule an appointment at one of our healthcare locations

Medical: 202.540.9857

Dental: 202.540.9862

Emotional Wellness: 202.984.1886

Community of Hope does not discriminate in providing health services; care is available to all, regardless of race, income, or insurance status. Certain housing services are available to individuals who are determined eligible by the Department of Human Services.

Please call to schedule an appointment:

202.470.3074

successcenter@cohdc.org
202.984.1970

Fax 202.232.8494

202.470.3077

Please leave a message at 202.470.3073

ap@cohdc.org
202.407.7751

Contact Leah Garrett, Vice President, Development and Communications
lgarrett@cohdc.org
202.407.7780

Contact our volunteer manager volunteer@cohdc.org
202.407.7757

development@cohdc.org
202.407.7747, Option 5, then 1

Please let us know at least an hour before your appointment if you can’t keep it.

You can cancel from your appointment reminder text or message. This allows us to treat someone else who needs care and prevent long wait times.

If you no-show for your appointment too many times, we may stop making one for you and ask you to see us on a standby basis.

Please let us know if you need to make a change.

Community of Hope offers “open access” scheduling for medical visits and regular dental cleanings and exams. This means that we will schedule your visit the same day that you call or within three days. Our patients find this very convenient. We will also call to remind you when it is time to schedule a follow up appointment, so you can plan a visit that is convenient for your schedule.

 

No. You must first come in for your new patient appointment to meet the provider and then we can schedule a physical.

 

If you are an established medical patient and need to speak with a provider after hours about an urgent issue, call your regular site number and an operator will take a message to be sent to our on-call provider. The on-call provider will give you medical advice and next steps. If your condition is life-threatening, please call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room. This service is not available for individuals who have not yet been seen at our offices. Please note that the on-call provider cannot schedule appointments, refill medications or review your lab results. If you sign up for the online patient portal, you can handle these items at your convenience.

 

You may make refill requests using the patient portal at any time. You can also reach our prescription refill line by calling the main number and following the prompts. Please leave a message with the following information: Your name, birth date, phone number, medication needed, pharmacy name and phone number. For diabetic supplies, include the type of glucometer you currently use.

 

The student must be a current patient to have school forms filled out. Please schedule an appointment if the child must have a physical to complete the form. If the student has already had a physical from one of our providers within the required time frame (as mandated by DC Public Schools), the form may be dropped off to a medical receptionist. Please allow 7-10 days for your child’s forms to be completed.

Adult patients who have not had a physical in the past 12 months must schedule an appointment for a physical. You can bring any forms to complete at the visit. If you have had a recent physical, the required forms may be left with a receptionist. Please allow 7-10 days for your forms to be completed.

 

Let the receptionist know that you wish to sign up for the Patient Portal and we will send instruction to your email account. Once you have set up a username and login, you can also use an easy app to access the Portal from your smart phone or the internet. Search for the Healow app. You can also access the Patient Portal from our website. 

 

The portal will help you recover a lost password or login. You can also contact a receptionist for help.

 

We are committed to providing quality information and services to Limited-English Proficient individuals. We understand that accurate communication is essential to providing meaningful and competent care. All language services will be provided free of charge.

La clínica Community of Hope Health Services está dedicada a ofrecer información y servicios de alta calidad a las personas que no tengan dominio del inglés. Comprendemos que la comunicación precisa es esencial para proveer un cuidado médico competente y eficaz. Todos los servicios lingüísticos se ofrecerán sin costo alguno.

We often have live interpreters for Spanish and Amharic. In addition, we are able to accommodate any language via the Language Line services.

 

Established patients can get their TB tests. TB tests are given until 4:00 PM every day except Thursdays and before long weekends. Once you receive your TB test, you must come back to have it read  2-3 days later.

 

Most insurance plans require a referral for specialty care. Referrals must be requested and approved by your Community of Hope provider. If you come in for a visit, we will have the referral ready for you before you leave. If you send a message via the patient portal to your provider, let your provider know if you prefer to pick it up or have it mailed. Make sure to give your provider your correct telephone number and address. Once your referral is complete, you will be notified. Referrals may take approximately one week to process and complete.

 

To request medical records, please ask a receptionist for a Release of Information form or request one through Patient Portal. Once you complete and sign the form, our medical records specialist will process your request within 30 days. If you are calling from another provider’s office, please fax the request to 202.232.8494.

 

Community of Hope wants to ensure that every young adult has access to accurate information about their sexual health. Same day and confidential appointments are available for adolescents and young adults ages 12-24. Services include: general medical care, pregnancy testing, counseling, STD and HIV testing, HPV vaccine, and birth control. Our counselors will help you make a decision that is right for you. IUD’s and implants are available for teens aged 12-19 years old free of charge.

 

For emergencies or if you feel that you are in danger or if you feel like hurting someone else, please dial 911 or contact the Department of Mental Health 24-Hour Access Helpline at 1.888.793.4357.

During the daytime, you can call or visit us to see ­­a counselor who can help talk you through the crisis and evaluate your options, which may include counseling or medication. Community of Hope offers counseling services, as well as short term crisis support.

 

We provide prenatal and pediatric care at all three of our healthcare centers!

Patients receiving prenatal care have a variety of options to consider, which are partially influenced by their type of insurance. Your provider can talk through your preferences and arrange care that works for you and your family. When under the care of one of our midwives, you will have the option to deliver at our birth center or at Washington Hospital Center. Learn more about our birthing services.

 

Please read our Notice of Privacy Practices here.

 

Each of our health centers is a community health center, also called a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). That means that we are a part of a national network of community health centers funded in part by the federal government to make sure that high quality health care is available to everyone. We also receive our malpractice insurance from the federal government through the Federal Torts Claims Act. Community of Hope is fully deemed in this program. More information on FQHCs is available here. 

 

Please let us know at least an hour before your appointment if you can’t keep it.

You can cancel from your appointment reminder text or message. This allows us to treat someone else who needs care and prevent long wait times.

If you no-show for your appointment too many times, we may stop making one for you and ask you to see us on a standby basis.

Please let us know if you need to make a change.

Yes! Your birth at FHBC is all about YOU. You should eat and drink as you feel appropriate. Many women lose their appetite during labor, but you are encouraged to eat light foods if you feel like it. Follow your body!

Please see our list of insurances here. We accept patients regardless of their ability to pay. If you don’t have insurance or have high out-of-pocket costs, you may qualify for reduced fees based on your income.. Call us at 202.398.5520 to learn more.

If you are newly pregnant, congratulations! You should schedule your first prenatal visit for about the 6th – 10th week of pregnancy. That is about two to six weeks after your first missed period.

Yes! We provide comprehensive medical healthcare to all members of the family including your male partner. Call 202.398.5520 to schedule an appointment.

Community of Hope has several housing programs, serving both families and individuals. The programs that serve families include Homelessness Prevention, Short Term Family Housing (The Triumph), Rapid Rehousing, and Permanent Supportive Housing. The programs that serve individuals include Bridge Housing (The Bridge at Girard and Hope Apartments) and Permanent Supportive Housing.

Community of Hope’s Homelessness Prevention Program works to stabilize families at risk of becoming homeless through specialized services and connection to other community resources.  Families accessing Homelessness Prevention services have a place to stay for one to 30 nights and work with the case managers to find stable housing.  

All families must be referred through the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center located at 920 Rhode Island Ave NE.   

For more information on the Homelessness Prevention Program and other assistance please visit this website: https://dhs.dc.gov/page/how-access-short-term-family-housing

Short Term family housing is a temporary solution for families experiencing homelessness.  The Triumph, Community of Hope’s Short Term Family Housing program, offers a safe place for families entering homelessness to stay while they get back on their feet.  We offer short-term housing with 24-hour support for up to 50 families.   

All families must be referred through the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center located at 920 Rhode Island Ave NE.   

For more information on Short Term Family Housing and other assistance please visit this website: https://dhs.dc.gov/page/how-access-short-term-family-housing 

If you are in need of immediate shelter, call the Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 or dial 311.  

Rapid Rehousing, also known as the Family Stabilization and Rehousing Program (FRSP), is a time limited housing subsidy with case management program that helps families who have experienced homelessness get access to resources and work on goals in order to increase housing stability.  Families rent apartments throughout the city and work with case managers on their housing stability, employment, and/or education goals, and also work to get connected to community resources that will help them maintain stability after the subsidy ends.  Community of Hope’s Rapid Rehousing program serves up to 400 families at any time.  

Families are referred to Rapid Rehousing through either Short- Term Family Housing or Homelessness Prevention.  

For more information on Rapid Rehousing and other assistance please visit this website: https://dhs.dc.gov/page/family-re-housing-stabilization-program%C2%A0%C2%A0

Permanent Supportive Housing is a long-term housing subsidy and case management program for families and individuals who have a chronic disabling condition, limited earning potential, and a need for case management services.   The Permanent Supportive Housing program offers a long-term subsidy and intensive in-home supportive services to help each family and individual find and maintain a stable home. Community of Hope offers both Tenant-based and Project-based programs and serves up to 162 families and ??110 individuals.  

Families and Individuals access Permanent Supportive Housing through the Coordinated Assessment and Housing Placement system.   

For more information on Family Permanent Supportive Housing please visit this website: https://dhs.dc.gov/page/permanent-supportive-housing-individuals-and-families-project-based-tenant-based-local-veterans 

For more information on Individual Permanent Supportive Housing please visit this website: https://dhs.dc.gov/page/housing-resources-individuals 

Families are referred to Rapid Rehousing through either Short- Term Family Housing or Homelessness Prevention.  

For more information on Rapid Rehousing and other assistance please visit this website: https://dhs.dc.gov/page/family-re-housing-stabilization-program%C2%A0%C2%A0

Bridge Housing is a short-term shelter program for individuals who have been matched to permanent housing but have yet not found an apartment.  Community of Hope has two Bridge Housing programs, Girard Street and Hope Apartments, that serve up to 6065 individuals. These programs allow for outreach and permanent housing case managers to work alongside the shelter case managers and the individual to quickly help them complete the subsidy application and find stable housing.  

Individuals access Bridge Housing by referral from the Department of Human Services.  

For more information on programs for individuals, or if you are in need of shelter please visit this website: https://dhs.dc.gov/page/shelter-and-day-centers or call the Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 or dial 311. 

Find a volunteer opportunity that interests you by viewing our current opportunities here. Simply create your Community of Hope volunteer profile and sign up for opportunities or a Volunteer Info Session. on our calendar.

For certain positions, individual applications will be reviewed, and potential volunteers will be contacted for an interview. 

be contacted for an interview.

Visit our calendar of events and then view availability for an event by clicking the event title. When you want to register for an event, click the sign-up button, and either login or create an account when prompted. Once you are logged in, you can return to the calendar and sign up for any other events you’d like without having to log in again.

You’ll know you have successfully been signed up for an event when you receive a confirmation email.

You are an important part of the team! In order to ensure that we have enough volunteers for each shift, we count on you to keep your commitment. If you are unable to attend, we ask that you cancel via VolunteerHub, email, or phone as soon as you know of a change in your plans. If you miss two or more shifts without contacting Community of Hope staff, your VolunteerHub account will be locked (you will not be able to log in), until you have a further conversation with Community of Hope staff. We appreciate your understanding.

All interested volunteers must create a Community of Hope volunteer profile on VolunteerHub

Volunteer Info Sessions are required if you are interested in volunteering as a Mentor and some other positions.  Fam-Club at the Triumph volunteers are not required to attend an Info Session.

References, background checks, and TB tests as appropriate to the position will be required

All interested volunteers must create a Community of Hope volunteer profile on Volunteer Hub

Volunteer Orientations are required if you are interested in volunteering as a Mentor and some other positions.  Fam-Club at the Triumph volunteers are not required but are encouraged, to attend a remote Volunteer Orientation before volunteering. 

References, background checks, and TB tests as appropriate to the position will be required. Background checks can be done through Community of Hope for $10.

 
Tools & Resources

If you are a family in need of housing and social services, please visit The Virginia Williams Family Resource Center (FRC) central intake office for all families requesting emergency housing and assistance in the District of Columbia.  In addition to the initial need assessment and determination of family eligibility for housing, the FRC offers a variety of services, including counseling, substance abuse education, and employment and housing placement assistance.

920-A Rhode Island Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20017
(202) 546-0017 or (202) 724-4208

If you are an individual in need of housing and social services, please contact the shelter hotline: 1 (800) 535-7252 or (202) 399-7093.

DC Food Finder is an interactive web resource to help DC residents find free and low-cost meals and groceries, places to apply for and use food assistance benefits, farmers markets and other food resources.

At the Department of Housing and Community Development web site, individuals can browse up-to-date, detailed listings to find properties available for rent and for sale that meet their housing needs. Property managers can use the service to list available units and showcase features.

Please call (800) 535-7252

Please call 1 (888) 793-4357

The Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness coordinates the DC’s Continuum of Care on behalf of the city. Through providers, Continuum of Care includes prevention services, street outreach efforts, emergency shelter, transitional housing and permanent supportive housing for individuals and families.

801 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE
Suite 360
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 543-5298

DC Interagency Council on Homelessness: (ICH) is a group of cabinet-level leaders, providers of homeless services, advocates, homeless and formerly homeless leaders that come together to inform and guide the District’s strategies and policies for meeting the needs of individuals and families who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless in the District of Columbia.

The ICH was established by the Homeless Service Reform Act of 2005 for the purpose of facilitating interagency, cabinet-level leadership in planning, policymaking, program development, provider monitoring, and budgeting for the Continuum of Care of homeless services (HSRA, Sec. 4 (a)).

US Interagency Council on Homelessness: (USICH) is chaired by HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan and the Vice Chair is Labor Secretary Hilda Solis. The 19 member agencies span the nation’s housing, health, job, education, and human services to coordinate the Federal response to homelessness and to create a national partnership at every level of government and with the private sector to reduce and end homelessness in the nation while maximizing the effectiveness of the Federal government in contributing to the end of homelessness.

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