Rejoice! Shirley's Place Opens It's Doors

On Sunday March 4, 2007 CHGM hosted the Grand Opening of the newly renovated Day Hospitality Center at 1338 G Street, SE!  The Open House drew many members of the community, friends, donors, neighbors, staff and program participants to celebrate the occasion and officially rename the center “Shirley’s Place” in honor of former CHGM board member, Capitol Hill neighbor, civil rights activist, Foreign Service officer and non-profit leader Shirley Smith Anderson. 

Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells, CHGM Board president Margo Bailey and Executive Director Emily

Guthrie spoke to the impact that Shirley’s Place will have for the homeless and struggling families that it serves.  Shirley’s children and grandchildren, friends and colleagues gathered from across the country to rejoice in the living legacy that she inspired:  a light filled new space with new kitchen, business center, offices, children’s play area, and gorgeous back yard to welcome families for years to come.

The grand opening was the culmination of a five year labor of love for CHGM and a testament to the power of community.  A team of amazing volunteers including Barbara Black, Lynn Kneedler, Susie Goodwillie Stedman,  Jeanne Mayer, the Rev. Elizabeth Wheeler, Sally Wells, Susan Clampitt, Jen Ihlo, Nadine Hathaway and Heather Burneson raised over $250,000 to fund the renovation.  CHGM Board member and volunteer extraordinaire Susan Sedgewick worked tirelessly, overseeing the renovation and coordinating the furnishing of the center.  Local businesses, congregations, neighbors and organizations donated both money and in-kind support to make the vision a reality.  Special thanks to Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church, Denchfield Roofing Corporation, DC Access and Architectural & Design Innovations for their most generous in-kind contributions and to all who made this possible.  Thanks to you, families enter a world of hope and possibility at Shirley’s Place.