N Street Village was founded in 1972 by members of Luther Place Memorial Church who saw a need to provide services for the growing homeless population in Washington, D.C. What began as sleeping mats on the floor of the church evolved into a comprehensive continuum of care for homeless and low-income women sited in a 150,000 square foot facility at 14th and N Streets, NW in the Logan Circle neighborhood of D.C. Since then, we have assisted thousands of women by providing services that address both emergency and long-term needs. In October 2011, N Street Village expanded its reach to a second program site by incorporating Miriam’s House, a residential community for homeless women living with HIV and AIDS in Northwest D.C. Women experiencing homelessness are at increased risk for contracting HIV, and with this acquisition, N Street Village made a commitment to growing its HIV/AIDS services for women in need. In March 2012, N Street Village was awarded a contract by the District of Columbia to operate a new permanent supportive housing program serving 31 formerly homeless women in Northwest DC. The program is named in honor of Erna Steinbruck, wife of former Luther Place Memorial Church pastor and N Street Village founder John Steinbruck. Erna’s passion for justice, commitment to service, and tireless efforts were instrumental in turning the vision of N Street Village into a reality. N Street Village provides co-located supportive services and housing for homeless and low-income women. Because many of the women we serve face multiple challenges -- homelessness, poverty, mental illness, addiction, and chronic health problems -- we take a holistic approach to helping each woman achieve her highest level of self-sufficiency. We also recognize the importance of community in the healing and recovery process, and we promote peer mentorship and peer leadership programs that help women feel connected and empowered.
