Andreae Leaving Georgetown Ministry Center for Food Bank
By • December 11, 2024 0 265
Executive Director Kelly Andreae will leave Georgetown Ministry Center to become the Capital Area Food Bank’s senior director for the Northern Virginia region, responsible for expanding regional partnerships. The food bank recently opened its Bedford Falls Foundation Northern Virginia Distribution Center, capable of providing food for over 13 million meals annually, in Lorton.
“The community of Georgetown is a special place,” Andreae said. “My work at GMC has shown me the best of humanity.”
The death of a homeless man named Freddie during the winter of 1984 prompted the Georgetown Clergy Association and Georgetown University to found the Georgetown Ministry Center in 1987. Shortly after it began, the center organized a governing board, incorporated, began raising funds and hired its first social worker to help homeless men, women and children in Georgetown. Today, GMC is a drop-in center and winter shelter, also offering street outreach.
“Community members that see beyond the stereotypes and invest in the dignity, humanity and basic human rights of our homeless neighbors give me hope,” said Andreae, who joined GMC in 2020. “My favorite moments are when guests come in to show us their keys when they have moved off the streets.”
During Andreae’s time at GMC, over 250 individuals moved into permanent housing. For Georgetowners looking to help, especially during the holiday season, Andreae suggested donating coats, boots, sleeping bags and hand warmers.
“We also need volunteer help in the drop-in center, particularly when Georgetown University students are on break,” she said.
Andreae’s advice for her yet-to-be-named successor is to get to know your neighbors and build community. “Building relationships with our guests is the best part of the job and it helps you to be a better advocate to know the people we are serving personally,” she said. “That means spending a lot of time in the drop-in center and doing street outreach.”
To sign up to volunteer, visit georgetownministrycenter.org.
