Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Bread for the City: Comprehensive Nonprofit Services in DC
Bread for the City has served Washington, D.C.'s low-income residents since 1974, merging with Zacchaeus Free Clinic in 1995 to form a comprehensive service organization. Our team of over 100 staff members operates two centers offering food, clothing, healthcare, legal services, and social programs, guided by principles of racial equity and dignity. With decades of experience, we provide trauma-informed care, workforce development, and advocacy, addressing systemic challenges through client-centered approaches. Our leadership combines deep local knowledge with national expertise in poverty alleviation, maintaining partnerships with medical schools, legal aid organizations, and community groups.We demonstrate authoritativeness through recognition by Johnson & Johnson, the District of Columbia government, and the Washington Post, while maintaining transparency through annual reports and public impact metrics. Our commitment to trustworthiness is evidenced by our 501(c)(3) status, board governance, and client-led advocacy initiatives focused on housing justice and economic security.
Services
Food Pantry
Clothing Assistance
Healthcare Services
Legal Aid
Workforce Development
Social Services
Advocacy Programs
Diaper Distribution
Farmers Markets
Economic Security
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We have over 45 years of experience serving Washington, D.C. communities
- Our trauma-informed care approach addresses root causes of poverty
- We offer integrated services across five core program areas
- Our team includes nationally recognized experts in poverty alleviation
- We maintain transparent operations with annual public impact reports
Services
Food Pantry
Our food pantry provides fresh produce, meats, and nonperishables to DC residents facing food insecurity. Clients choose items based on household needs through a points system. We distribute over 8,400 monthly grocery packages and operate weekly farmers markets with seasonal produce. Our program addresses food deserts through client-centered distribution models.
Healthcare Services
We offer comprehensive healthcare including primary care, dental services, vision exams, and behavioral health support. Our clinics serve all ages regardless of payment ability, with specialized programs for chronic disease management and preventive care. Our medical team includes board-certified professionals and residency program partnerships.
Legal Aid
Our legal program provides housing law assistance, family law representation, immigration services, and public benefits advocacy. We employ 20 attorneys and paralegals who handle complex cases while offering community legal education workshops. Our services prioritize housing stability and economic justice.
Clothing Assistance
Our clothing program offers gently used apparel, shoes, and accessories for all ages. Clients receive toiletry packs and limited household goods through our boutique-style distribution model. The program supports dignity through choice-based shopping experiences and seasonal inventory.
Workforce Development
Our workforce program provides job readiness training, resume development, and employment placement assistance. The Workforce Caf offers professional development workshops, wellness resources, and wrap-around support services. We partner with local employers to connect participants with sustainable employment opportunities.
People
George A. Jones
Chief Executive Officer
George A. Jones has led Bread for the City since 1996, growing annual revenue from $1.2M to $10.6M. He oversees operations, strategic planning, and community partnerships while serving on multiple healthcare and nonprofit boards.
Toshira Monroe
Chief Operating Officer
Toshira Monroe directs HR, facilities, and technology operations with over a decade of nonprofit leadership experience. She previously served as Deputy Director at My Sisters Place and holds a Nonprofit Management Certificate from Georgetown University.
Mahogany Thomas
Chief Program Officer
Mahogany Thomas leads program strategy with expertise in social justice and advocacy. She holds a Master of Divinity from Yale University and focuses on creating equitable futures through radical hospitality and community empowerment initiatives.
Rasheedah Al-Mahdi
Chief Financial Officer
Rasheedah Al-Mahdi manages financial operations with 15+ years of nonprofit and private sector accounting experience. She specializes in financial strategy and serves as a community advocate for financial literacy and entrepreneurship.
Ashley Domm
Head of Advancement
Ashley Domm leads fundraising initiatives with experience in higher education and arts nonprofit sectors. She previously managed principal gifts at Georgetown University and holds advanced degrees in management and museum studies.
Questions
What services does Bread for the City offer?
We provide food assistance, clothing, healthcare, legal services, social services, and workforce development programs to Washington, D.C. residents in need.
How can I access your food pantry services?
Visit either our Northwest or Southeast center during operating hours with ID and proof of DC residency to receive monthly grocery assistance through our choice-based pantry system.
Do you offer medical services for uninsured patients?
Yes, our medical clinics provide primary care, dental services, vision exams, and behavioral health support regardless of patients' ability to pay.
How can I volunteer with Bread for the City?
Visit our website to complete a volunteer application and attend an orientation session. We offer opportunities in food distribution, client services, and special events.
What legal services are available?
Our legal program offers housing law assistance, family law representation, immigration services, and public benefits advocacy through experienced attorneys and paralegals.
How does Bread for the City support workforce development?
The Workforce Café provides job readiness training, resume development, professional workshops, and employment placement assistance to help participants achieve economic stability.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Kevin Spann
Apr 04, 2022
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This organization does a lot for the community. It is good to know that they are there when needed. The HRA dog food pantry and vaccination clinic is a Blessing
Angela Hines
Nov 24, 2021
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I love bread for the city when I go there. But as far as the food that they deliver, I'm not sure what's going on with that. This is what I recieved to feed a family of 2.
Nathaniel Mott Jr
Nov 17, 2021
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Good for the community and a safe and friendly place all the time and every time I've visited there also NICE getaway for help with business dealings and personal hygiene condiments.
Markesha Williams
Nov 03, 2021
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Mr. Bobby Brandon was so sweet and I was having a rough start to my day and just to hear someone being compassionate goes along way so thank you for your exceptional customer service! Keep up the great work!
Karla Fletcher
Mar 05, 2021
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I love Bread for the City. Staff always polite, keeps up a good pace, never a long wait. My happy place.
Kori Bell
May 30, 2019
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My experience with the staff was awesome; however the volunteer legal staff was the worst. For basic legal issues, a basic guide should be provided with FAQs at minimum. A simple checklist of the process with references for low-income, veterans and people with disabilities would be a great start for issues like bankruptcy. I was only provided a link, the same link that I shared in my session - so, therefore I received nothing, but a waste of my time.
