Good Hope Housing Program in Anacostia to Reopen in July After Explosion>

Summary:
Good Hope Housing Program to Reopen in July After Devastating Explosion
WASHINGTON (7News) — Calvary Women’s Services’ Good Hope Housing Program in Anacostia is set to reopen in early July after a January gas leak explosion in a neighboring convenience store caused severe damage. The explosion destroyed the store, heavily damaged a nearby daycare, and severely impacted the shelter, which housed 36 women at the time.
Kris Thompson, CEO of Calvary Services, described the extensive damage, including broken windows, smoke, and water damage from firefighting efforts. Fortunately, all residents were evacuated just minutes before the explosion, though many lost their possessions.
In the wake of the disaster, the local community and construction services rallied to refurbish the shelter within six months. Over $500,000 in donations were received, with significant contributions from local businesses and over 500 individual donors.
The Good Hope shelter, which can house up to 45 women, provides housing, meals, case management, and therapy services to help women transition to permanent housing. A "Welcome Home" campaign is underway to support residents as they move back in, with donations funding welcome kits and programming.
Thompson expressed gratitude for the community’s support and emphasized the shelter’s role in providing hope and a sense of home for its residents.