The 1980’s and 1990’s

Bread for the City experienced dramatic growth during the 1980's, as the demand for services continued to rise.  The number of people served each month grew from less than 1,000 to more than 3,000.  To meet the growing need, BFC opened satellite sites throughout Northwest DC.  In 1991, BFC opened its first satellite site in Southeast DC, distributing food and clothing from a loaned church basement.  Services grew to include health and nutrition classes, counseling, and referral services. 

During the early 1990s, the two burgeoning organizations developed the Jane Addams Social Services Program to help clients of both organizations apply for public benefits.  In 1990, BFC and ZFC were awarded two federal grants to operate outreach activities to help elderly and disabled individuals apply for Food Stamps and Supplemental Security Income.  The launch of this program began the integration of the services offered by the two agencies, a process that would ultimately lead to their merger.

In 1991, legal services were added.  After one year of running the Jane Addams Social Services Program, it became evident that many eligible clients were being denied public benefits.  The Young Lawyers Section of the Bar Association of The District of Columbia approached ZFC with a proposal to supply volunteer attorneys, and the organization leveraged their support to battle these unfounded denials.  The Bread for the City Legal Clinic grew from this initiative, and a full-time legal director was hired in 1993.  Today, the legal clinic represents and advises clients in matters of landlord/tenant, disability and family law.

Also in 1991, Luther Place Church announced that it was ready to move forward with a long-time plan to build low- and moderate-income apartments on the properties operated by BFC and ZFC.  Because they were working closely together and sharing many clients, the two organizations decided to look for space together.  They purchased an abandoned lumber warehouse at 1525 7th Street in the Shaw neighborhood and launched a $1.2 million capital campaign to finance the building’s extensive renovation.
   
By April 1994, the capital campaign was completed.  The two agencies moved into their new home on 7th Street and started plans for a formal merger.  By 1995 the agencies officially merged, and in 2000 they shortened their name to Bread for the City.  This comprehensive service agency offered food, clothing, medical care, social and legal services to low-income DC residents.

History and Growth - Main

History and Growth - 1970's

History and Growth - 00's to Present