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The Peer Outreach Program at DC Public Library supports library customers experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.

Peers have been where you are and are here to support you. They have been trained and certified through the DC Department of Behavioral Health to help you navigate the system. Peers meet customers at branches throughout the library system. Peers work with customers to find shelter, housing, treatment programs, mental health services, food, clothing and much more.

Meet with a DC Public Library Certified Peer Support Specialist (also known as a Peer Navigator) if you need:

  • Support while experiencing homelessness
  • Help with returning to the community after time in jail or prison
  • Help connecting to housing and other services because of partner abuse or domestic violence
  • Help with an ID and other vital documents
  • Assistance with finding medical care
  • Ideas for housing
  • Job and employment supports
  • Help with food or clothing

Peers are role models who demonstrate competency in personal recovery, and by serving as a consumer advocate who provides clients with information and support. Peers build rapport and trust with a customer so that the hard work of moving out of homelessness, and/or into recovery, can begin.

This program is LGBTQIA2S+ Affirming. 

Learn More About the Peer Outreach Program

 

Contact a Peer Support Specialist

Walk ins are welcome. You can contact a peer specialist to find out where you can meet or to schedule an appointment.

Renee: 202-486-4160 

Kanisha: (202) 680-9316

Tracy: (202) 853-1195 

Schedule

  • Monday
    • All Day: Shaw Library
    • 9:45 am - 12:30 MLK, Shaw and Northeast Libraries
    • 2-5:30 pm MLK, Anacostia or Shaw Libraries
  • Tuesday
    • All Day: Woodridge Library
    • 9:45 am-12:30 pm: Woodridge, MLK, Mt Pleasant Libraries
    • 2-5:30 pm Benning Road, Woodridge, Shepard Park Libraries
  • Wednesday
    •  All Day MLK Library 
    • 1 pm- 5:30 Mt Pleasant and West End Libraries
  • Thursday
    • MLK Library all day
    • Shaw and Mt Pleasant 1 pm - 5:30 
  • Friday
    • All day Benning: 10 - 5:00 pm
    • 10 am - 12:30 Tennlytown NW1
    • 2pm - 5:30 MLK and Petworth Libraries

This service is supported in part by the 

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Kalea Matsakis