Our History

Hannah House was established in 1979 as an overnight shelter and has since served as a model of structured, consumer driven programs that focus on individualized support, helping well over 1,000 homeless women in the District of Columbia to date.

In 1989, responding to an increase in the number clients grappling with substance abuse issues, Hannah House became a 24-hour transitional facility for single women. At that time, the organization implemented a three-step program, HERS—Housing, Employment, Recovery, and Self-awareness—designed to strengthen recovery and facilitate employment while developing personal skills and accountability. However, as almost 90% of the women in our HERS program had an average of three children living in foster care, Hannah House recognized a need for a family reunification program.

Thus, in 1996, the THEIRS program for family reunification was developed. This facility, based on the original program model, serves five families at a time and was expanded to incorporate the areas of Togetherness and Independence. The HERS and THEIRS programs share staff and resources, and are next door to one another at 612 and 610 M Street, NW, in Washington, DC.

Hannah House is committed to the success of the HERS and THEIRS residents. It is their achievements in maintaining sobriety, building strong families, finding and retaining employment, and moving into independent housing that constitutes the success of Hannah House and our continuing goal.