The holiday season can be a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be a time when our health and wellbeing are at risk. For many LGBTQ+ people, who may face discrimination, rejection, and isolation from their families and communities. In addition to these external stressors, the holiday season can also bring its own set of mental health challenges, such as increased stress, loneliness, and depression. The DC Center has gathered a range of information to help you navigate the holiday season with your safety and mental health in mind.
If you are having an emergency please consider these options for assistance:
Emergency Shelter & Housing:
DC Shelter Hotline: (202)-399-7093 (24/7, provides free transportation)
LGBTQ Shelter “Living Life” Alternative: 202-560-5457 | 400 50th St SE
Virginia Williams Family Resource Center: (202)-526-0017 (Women & Families) | 920-A Rhode Island Ave NE, 20018
Basic Needs (Showers, Laundry, Food, Etc.):
S.O.M.E. (So Others Might Eat) : (202) 797-8806 71 O St NW, 20001
Bread for the City: (202) 265-2400 1525 7th St. NW (Holiday Closures/Hours)
Hunger Lifeline: (202) 644-9807 , assistance in finding emergency food help
Thrive DC: (202) 737-9311 1525 Newton St NW Washington, DC 20010 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Mental Health / Substance Use/ Victimization Support:
Local Services:
In the District you can get help 24/7 with a mental health crisis by calling 988.
Maryland Mobile Crisis: (240)-777-4000 | Virginia Mobile Crisis: (703)-573-5679
Substance Abuse Support and Referral Center (ARC): (202) 727-8473 75 P Street NE (enter on Florida Avenue near the P Street intersection)
The Triangle Club (LGBTQ+ Recovery Support): (202) 659-8641 1638 R St NW Suite 120, 20009
NAMI DC Helpline: (202)-466-0972 Monday–Friday, 10 am – 6 pm EST
DC Victim Hotline: 844-4HELPDC (844-443-5732)
Nationwide:
SAGE National LGBT Elder Hotline – (877)-360-5428 (24/7)
Trans Lifeline: (877)-565-8860
Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Folx under 25): (866)-488-7386
LGBT National Help Center: 888-834-45644
IMAlive: Online Chat (24/7) OR LGBT ADULT Crisis Text Line* – Text HOME to 741741
The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (24/7, anonymous, confidential support)
The National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
Holiday Support:
DC Center “Xmas Day Hangout” : (Zoom link) December 25 @ 1pm – 2pm