MIGRANT MINISTRY — Capitol Hill United Methodist Church

History of Migrant Support:

In partnership with the Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network (MSMAN or “Mutual Aid”), Capitol Hill United Methodist Church (CHUMC) first began to receive buses with migrants being sent from Texas in July 2022. From the summer until early winter, CHUMC received buses 1-2 times per week as groups of churches in the area shared the load of receiving the buses by each taking a day of the week designation.

For bus welcomes, many volunteers from churches and the larger community came together to welcome migrants with dignity and respect, to offer them a warm meal or two, clothing and hygiene items, and support on the next leg of their journey.

In time, the DC City Government negotiated with CHUMC and neighboring church, Washington City Church of the Brethren to receive all buses coming from TX and AZ beginning in mid-December 2023, as well as serve as the location for the City’s Welcome Center for Migrants. The Welcome Center was operated by sub-contractors, SAMU, and was formally opened in February to accept walk-in appointments for new arrivals not coming on state sponsored buses.

From mid-December to the end of May 2023, numerous church and community volunteers continued the efforts of greeting buses and offering clothing and supplies. Countless hours of volunteer service have been spent sorting donations at several local churches and restocking shelves at CHUMC to maintain the clothing closet for the migrant community. We are so grateful for all those who have given donations and given of their time to support this effort.

At the end of May 2023, DC announced that they were opening their own facility at the Salvation Army HarborLight Center at 2100 New York Ave NE, Washington DC 20002 to continue to receive the buses and walk-ins of new arrivals.

Current Migrant Support:

Currently CHUMC offers supply distributions 3x per week to migrants needing clothing or hygiene supplies in DC. We offer open hours for migrants to come for walk-ins twice a week, Monday 3-6pm and Wednesdays 1-3pm.

We also offer a mini respite (meal and transportation provided) to newly arrived individuals and families where they can come pick up clothing and supplies.

If you are interested in volunteering for any of these events, or supporting our weekly restocking (Monday 1-3pm), please contact office@chumc.net.