In August, an apartment fire in Southeast Washington, DC, left nearly 45 residents, including 16 children, displaced from their homes. Since then, families have been staying in different places across the city, trying to figure out what comes next.
A few weeks later, a Flash Table at Miracle Temple Church in Marshall Heights brought them back together for a meal, a chance to reconnect, and a reminder that their community had not forgotten them.
Our vendor Coleman’s Kitchen served food, and many volunteers came out to support the gathering. They helped set up the tables, but just as importantly, they sat down with residents, shared a meal, listened, and talked with them. It was wonderful to see so many people willing to give their time and make the day a little easier for families going through such a difficult experience.
Each person affected by the fire also received Breadcoins to use at a participating restaurant of their choice, giving them the opportunity to share another meal with family or friends whenever they choose. These Breadcoins were purchased through the generosity of members of local churches and partner organizations.
One resident described what the gathering meant to them:
“I’m so grateful to be here among people who care and demonstrate genuine love. Being at the table allows me to have a moment to breathe and feel seen by my neighbors. The Breadcoins will allow me to go to a restaurant with my family and be together as we continue the healing and recovery process.”
The Flash Table was funded by Breadcoin’s Emergency Fund, which allows us to respond quickly when disasters strike and provide food assistance to people facing unexpected hardship. Having these resources available means we can step in when families need support without having to start fundraising from scratch.
The gathering was also made possible through the efforts of Miracle Temple Church, Spirit of the Living God Baptist Church, and Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church, together with the East River Family Strengthening Collaborative and DC Charter School Alliance. We’re grateful for everyone who helped create an afternoon where residents could spend time with familiar neighbors and enjoy a little normalcy amid everything they are dealing with.
Help us set more tables like this. Your support makes it possible to welcome neighbors around shared meals filled with dignity, hospitality, and connection. Donate here.
