Bates Area Civic Association

In this Issue:

1) Commemorating SOME’s 40th Anniversary

2) This Month in SOME’s History

3) 5th Annual Congressional Black Caucus Spouses Community Breakfast and Health Fair at SOME

4) Construction Underway on SOME’s Affordable Housing Scattered Site Project

5) Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walkathon

6) Save the Date for SOME’s Upcoming Special Annual Events

Forty years ago, Fr. Horace McKenna, and leaders of various faith communities founded SOME (So Others Might Eat), as an interfaith organization with a mission to feed the growing number of hungry women, children and men in the District. Since then, SOME has evolved into a comprehensive service provider with programs that offer the tools and support to help break the cycle of homelessness and poverty.

This Month in SOME’s History

Because you are an integral part of our organization, I want to share a piece of our history with you of important milestones SOME reached in the month of October since were founded in 1970. None of this would have been possible without the ongoing support of friends such as you.

October 1979: SOME’s Dental Clinic opens with the partnership of Georgetown University Dental School to provide quality dental care to the homeless and those who are unable to afford a dentist.

October 1983: Dwelling Place Senior Center opens in SE, DC to provide day programming for seniors which includes recreation, exercise, field trips, and hot nutritious meals.

October 1990: Mickey Leland Place a 90-day transitional housing program for men in recovery opens on North Capitol Street.

Learn more about SOME’s history.

5th Annual Congressional Black Caucus Spouses Community Breakfast and Health Fair at SOME

On Thursday, September 16, Congresswoman Barbara Lee and other members of the Congressional Black Caucus and their spouses served breakfast to 400 homeless guests alongside Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan. Led by Mrs. Vera Davis, Chair of the Community Breakfast and Health Fair, Mrs. Mereda Davis Johnson, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Spouses, and Dr. Elsie Scott, President of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, and with the support of generous sponsors, the event brought health screenings, food, sneakers, clothing and toiletries to SOME’s clients. SOME is grateful to Safeway, Nike, General Mills, Wal-Mart and all of the event’s sponsors for their outstanding support.

Construction Underway on SOME’s Affordable Housing Scattered Site Project

More than 6,500 individuals living in Washington, DC are currently homeless, including over 800 families with 1,535 children. Poverty among families in DC has increased by 37% since 2008 and the number of families in emergency shelters increased by 45% from 2009-2010. The critical shortage of affordable housing in DC is one reason for these staggering statistics, and the reason SOME established the Affordable Housing Development Initiative in 2005. Since we began the Initiative, SOME has developed 100 units of affordable housing for 54 single adults, including the mentally ill and 46 families with 100 children, with your support, we are moving closer to our 1,000 unit goal.

We are very excited to report that SOME recently closed on permanent financing for five properties which, upon completion, will provide 245 additional units of safe supportive-service affordable housing throughout the city. Construction is now underway at our Chesapeake Street, SE, property scheduled to welcome 22 homeless families by February 2011; Chabraja House in SE, for 53 single adults, scheduled to open in early Spring 2011; Bedford Falls for 78 men and women which will open in June of 2011; and an apartment building on Good Hope Road in SE, which will be home to 42 senior citizens, and provide emergency housing for eight abused and neglected elderly. SOME plans to begin construction on the fifth building, Gasner House, which will provide 49 apartments for homeless adults, by the end of the year.

Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Mini-Walk

Join Fr. John Adams and Team SOME at the Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walkathon on Saturday, November 20, 2010. Last year 17,000 walkers participated in the Walkathon onthe National Mall with an additional 100,000 walkers participating through Mini Walks, raising a total of $5.8 million to provide housing for the homeless of the DC Metro area. Register here to join our team and walk with us at this wonderful annual event. All Team SOME members’ registration fees and donations will go directly to SOME.

Would you like to host a Mini-Walk to benefit SOME and raise awareness of the homelessness and poverty that exists in our community? It’s easy! To learn more about hosting a Mini-Walk at your school, university, religious or community organization, please visit our mgannon.

Save the Date for SOME’s Upcoming Special Annual Events

Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger
Join thousands of runners and walkers on Thursday, November 25th at SOME’s 40th Anniversary Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger. Whether you participate in the timed race, or the family fun walk, it’s a great way to start your Thanksgiving Day.

Register yourself, your family or your team today! Your support will provide meals, medical care, clothing and comprehensive services to homeless and poor men, women and children in our community. Never trotted with us? Watch DC50’s video of the 2009 Trot to catch a glimpse of the energy and fun.

Learn more about SOME’s Trot for Hunger.

40th Anniversary Gala and Silent Auction
On Friday, December 3, 2010, guests will gather for the 24th Annual Gala and Silent Auction to benefit the men, women and children we serve. Chaired by Joanne and Bill Conway and Liz and Tom Donohue, the Gala will be held at the historic National Building Museum and will feature Bob Schieffer as emcee. If you are interested in purchasing tickets, please contact Special Events and Marketing Manager, Tracy Monson, at 202-797-8806 ext. 1011 or tmonson.

The Silent Auction, chaired by Joe Clark and Pat Cleary, will offer more than 200 items. If you can help by providing auction items, or would like more information, please contact Silent Auction Manager Megan Gannon at 202-797-8806, ext. 1010 or mgannon.

Learn more about SOME’s Gala and Silent Auction.

SOME Wish List
Our programs are in need of the following items. Can you help?

Toiletries: Soap, Deodorant for men and women

Food: Coffee, Canned corn, Canned green beans, Canned peas, Condiments (mustard, mayonnaise, ketchup), Coffee creamer

Other: Disposable table cloths

SOME Caregivers Program is in need of large rectangular magnifying glasses and lightweight vacuums for homebound senior citizens who we visit. Our Senior Programs are also in need of disposable pull-up adult underwear for men and women

SOME’s Clothing Room is in need of new underwear for women