A two-alarm fire at Catholic Charities’ McKenna House in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of Washington, D.C., on March 29 left 27 men displaced. One resident was brought to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and the resident has since been released. 

McKenna House, a three-story townhouse run by Catholic Charities of The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, helps men transitioning from homelessness into independent living. While staying at the McKenna house, occupants are expected to maintain sobriety and employment. 

The fire destroyed the roof and did extensive damage to the building’s third floor, and there was water damage throughout the building. According to Catholic Charities, a recovery timeline is not yet available. 

The two-alarm fire occurred the late afternoon of  March 29, when some of the men were at work. Three Catholic Charities staff members were on site at the time and communicated with the fire department and helped residents as they evacuated. 

As firefighters worked to put out the fire, residents were assisted by the Red Cross, which provided toiletries, meals and blankets, and they were also helped by D.C. Homeland Security & Emergency Management. The Shrine of the Sacred Heart across the street opened its doors so residents and staff had a warm place to stay while the fire was contained. 

Catholic Charities has been working closely with the men to ensure their safety and limit any gaps in service. The agency is making short-term provisions, as the men have immediate needs for shelter, food, transportation and clothing. Once their immediate needs are met, Catholic Charities will be working long term to assist them.

Catholic Charities’ Food Services is currently providing them breakfast and dinner, and agency staff will be transporting them to hotels, where they will stay for the short term.

Catholic Charities has set up a donation fund on their website.  Money given will be used to help restore the necessities McKenna House was providing, such as shelter, food, and clothing, and donations will also be used as Catholic Charities works to reopen McKenna House. McKenna House will need to be refurbished and its furnishings replaced, which Catholic Charities estimates will take up to a year to complete.