Migrant Ministries: Solidarity, Not Charity
"When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself." — Leviticus 19:33-34
Since April 2022, when buses of asylum seekers began arriving in Washington D.C. from Texas and Arizona, Capitol Hill UMC has stood on the front lines of welcome. What began as an emergency response to a humanitarian crisis has evolved into a sustained ministry of "radical hospitality."
We do not just offer charity; we offer community. Through Free Store and Respite events, we help provide resources, dignity, and a safe landing place for neighbors looking for a better future.
Current Opportunities
We work with our mission partner, Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid (MSMA), to run two primary initiatives:
🛍️ Tiendita Gratis (The Free Store)
A dignified shopping experience where migrants can select clothing, hygiene supplies, and essentials at no cost.
Impact: diverse clothing options, shoes, and toiletries for men, women, and children.
🍲 Mini Respite
A moment of rest for individuals and families.
Impact: Transportation, a warm meal, and access to the Free Store for clothing and supplies.
How to Help
We cannot do this work without the "faith in action" of our community!
1. Volunteer Your Time
We have regular and "on-demand" shifts available.
Mondays (1:00pm – 4:00pm): Sort donations and restock the Free Store.
Thursdays (On Demand): Support the Mini Respite by serving meals, driving families, or helping shoppers in the store.
Saturdays (On Demand, 12:00pm – 4:00pm): Weekend sorting and shopping assistance.
Volunteer with MSMA Interest Form
Questions? Contact Ryan Clements, Discipleship Director, at ryan@chumc.net or (202) 768-7759.
2. Donate Goods
We accept specific items to keep our store stocked. Please follow the guidelines below to ensure dignity for our guests (items must be clean and in good repair).
Shop Online (Ship directly to us):
Drop-Off Donations (Locally):
Small, Sorted Donations: Clean, labeled (by gender/size) items can be dropped off at CHUMC.
Please email Ryan Clements or call (202) 768-7759 to coordinate a time.
Large or Unsorted Donations: Please drop these off at our partner location, John Wesley AME Zion Church (1615 14th Street NW).
Our Mission Partner
Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid (MSMA) CHUMC is proud to partner with MSMA, an organization that takes the lead in organizing the Free Store and Mini Respite. They are the logistical backbone of this work, ensuring resources get to the people who need them most.
How We Got Here: A History of Welcome
The Early Response (2022) When buses first arrived with no plan and no resources, the D.C. community stepped up. Beginning in July 2022, CHUMC began receiving buses 1-2 times a week. Volunteers greeted exhausted families with dignity, respect, warm meals, and supplies for the next leg of their journey.
The City Partnership As the mission grew, the D.C. City Government negotiated with CHUMC and the Washington City Church of the Brethren to serve as central hubs for arrivals. For months, we served as a "Welcome Center," operated by subcontractors and fueled by countless volunteer hours.
The Evolution In May 2023, the City opened a centralized facility at the Salvation Army Harbor Light Center to handle new arrivals. However, the need for community support remains. Today, CHUMC continues to fill the gaps through our Free Store and Respite nights, proving that while government policies change, our biblical call to welcome the stranger remains constant.