Calvary to host "Community" Open House in Anacostia (insert laughter here)

The "Community"

The idea of Calvary Women's Services "reaching out" to the Anacostia community after stonewalling for the better part of the year is hilarious. Calvary leadership did not give a D-A-M-N about including the community in their plans to open a shelter in the heart of the business district. Anacostia and Ward 8 residents had to do everything but arm wrestle them to finally get them East of the River for one meeting. Pardon my skepticism but the idea of Calvary hosting a "Community Open House" is pretty absurd.

Perhaps this is an attempt to discourage unhappy residents from crashing their ribbon cutting ceremony? Does anyone know when that is scheduled?

From the Calvary website:

Community Update: April 2012
4/30/2012

COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE 
Calvary Women’s Services will host a Community Open House on Saturday, June 9 from 12 to 2 PM. Members of the community are invited to join us for refreshments, to meet Calvary’s staff and to learn more about volunteer opportunities at our programs. 

IN THE COMMUNITY *insert laughter here*
The time during which Calvary’s building is being renovated and the organization is preparing to move continues to be a great opportunity for us to learn about what activities are happening in the Anacostia community and how we can be involved. Calvary’s staff have been reaching out to meet with new neighbors and prospective partners in Wards 7 and 8. Members of Calvary’s staff and residents also attended and enjoyed the LUMEN8Anacostia festival on April 14. 

Calvary is partnering with the Washington DC Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority on an event to be held at Anacostia Waterfront Park. The 5K Walk/Run will take place on Saturday, June 23rd at 9 AM, and is being organized in conjunction with the DC Running Club. 

OUR PROJECT 
Renovation began on our new location on Good Hope Road in December 2011 and will be completed in May. As noted in an earlier community update, with the exception of the replacement of the windows, nearly all of the changes to the building are internal. Below is a link to photographs of the renovations underway. 



ABOUT US 
Calvary Women’s Services provides transitional housing and support services to women. Our new location will help us serve more women where the need is great and to support these women as they gain the skills, confidence and resources to return to their neighborhoods to live independently once again. Calvary provides women a safe place to live and accessory services, such as job readiness and educational programs, to make that possible. 

Calvary looks forward to being a good neighbor in Anacostia and a positive contributor to the community. If you have any questions about our work or our move to Good Hope Road, please contact us at information@calvaryservices.org or (202) 548‐0596. If you are interested in learning about volunteer opportunities, you will find information on our website, www.calvaryservices.org. 


Good Hope Road construction photos

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