Programs
Beacon Center Mixed Use Project
Built on the grounds of Emory United Methodist Church, this mixed-use facility is designed to address the social and physical revitalization of the Brightwood community. The Beacon Center, a $58 Million project, provides 99 units of housing for low-income DC families and permanent supportive housing. There is underground parking for residents and for the commercial space and church. There are multipurpose rooms, a half court gymnasium, office space, community space, and a culinary arts training program with a restaurant component which will be on line in 2021. The Community Builders is our development partner for this project and also serve as the property managers. The Beacon Center was built in partnership with the Emory Fellowship. It was also funded by the Department of Housing and Community Development and Low Income Tax Credits from the DC Housing Finance Agency.
Transitional Housing Program
We began this program in collaboration with the Capitol Hill Congregation Based Shelter Program providing shelter to homeless families in the District of Columbia. The program began in a converted English basement renovated with the help of our Jewish faith-to-faith Partners through YACHAD in the parsonage of Emory United Methodist Church. It became known as the “Lighthouse”. In 2008 EBOL purchased a three story house for the transitional housing program. This program has provided transitional housing to more than 150 families.
Housing Counseling Services
Our partner, MCT provides counseling services and training to tenants, potential homeowners, and current homeowners. Specific topics include foreclosure prevention or mitigation, credit counseling, home/budget management, and relocation, applying for program assistance, managing the home purchase process, homeowner training, apartment locating, and other services that assist residents with housing needs.
Renter assistance in the form of counseling is also provided to aid tenants in understanding their rights and responsibilities, including issues such as potential displacement, rental/eviction counseling and ongoing apartment management. Workshops are offered by MCT on a regular basis throughout the months and one-on-one counseling is available by appointment.
Immigration Services
Provided under the legal supervision of the United Methodist Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON), free immigration services are provided to a variety of clients who have bravely come to the U.S. for freedom and a better quality of life. Thus far, more than 230 lives have been changed.
All clinics are staffed by a licensed attorney and volunteers providing hospitality. Our clinics serve clients who cannot afford a private attorney.
For appointments call: 240-825-4424
Small Business Assistance Program
EBOL provides a range of assistance to small businesses to help increase revenue and foot traffic to the Ward 4 Brightwood business corridor. Assistance includes:
• One-on-one client consultations
• Presentation of marketing and finance workshops, webinars and seminars
• Marketing of the business corridor
• Creation of free websites and site support
• Online business directory; and
• Assisting businesses with completing Great Street grant applications.
The Food Pantry
Open every Tuesday from 12pm to 2pm, our food pantry supplies food to more than 1,900 families and individuals annually. Each Thanksgiving we prepare more than 250 baskets for families in the Brightwood area and beyond. Food donations come from the Capitol Area Food Bank, members of the Emory Fellowship and private donors.
Neighborhood Facade Improvement
A grant from the DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to EBOL, provides facade-restoration assistance to Brightwood small businesses. More than fifteen businesses along Georgia Avenue and the Kennedy Street/Missouri Avenue corridor have received assistance for facade improvements. An entire facelift was provided the Sheridan Shop and Park in the 6200 block of Georgia Avenue.
EBOL Clean Teams
On October 1, 2016 the Emory Beacon of Light, Inc. received the Upper Georgia Avenue clean team grant from DSLBD, now we have two clean team grants, Upper Georgia Avenue and Georgia Avenue. The Upper Georgia Avenue clean team to comprise the following boundaries on Georgia Avenue, NW from Quackenbos Street, NW to District border Eastern Avenue, NW on western side and Blair Road, NW on eastern side. The Georgia Avenue clean team to comprise the following boundaries on Georgia Avenue, NW from Quackenbos Street, NW to the north and New Hampshire Avenue, NW to the south.
Walk for the Homeless
Each year, EBOL conducts a walk for the homeless; EBOL has sponsored the annual walk for over 20 years. The Coolidge High School Marching Band plays and leads us as we walk through the Brightwood community to show our support to end homelessness. More than 1,000 supporters have walked to raise money for our transitional housing and food pantry programs. Our major walk is supported by the Emory Fellowship and donors.
Weekend Backpack Program
In collaboration with the Capital Area Food bank, every Friday afternoon EBOL provides packed food for low-income children ages 5 to18. The backpacks contain 4-6 lbs. of shelf-stable, healthy food. Since the program began in 2013, we’ve distributed more than 1,100 backpacks.