For the 2008 D.C. Idiotarod, we are donating funds earned to Miriam's Kitchen, which is a charity that provides meals, case management, mental health and addiction services, therapeutic groups, and transitional and permanent housing support to DC's chronically homeless men and women.

Please read the details below to learn more about this important organization. Don’t forget—we’re having a lot of fun, but we’re also helping out a great cause.

Miriam’s Kitchen
2401 Virginia Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20037
202-452-8926
info@miriamskitchen.org
www.miriamskitchen.org

The mission of Miriam's Kitchen is to provide individualized services that address the causes and consequences of homelessness in an atmosphere of dignity and respect, both directly and through facilitating connections in the Washington, DC community.

Miriam's main focus is on serving DC's chronically homeless men and women: those living on the streets, accessing few or no other services, and often facing complex health, mental health, and additional challenges. Every weekday, one out of every ten of the District's nearly 2,000 chronically homeless individuals turns to Miriam's Kitchen for a hot, nutritious meal; case management, mental health, and addiction services; therapeutic groups; and transitional and permanent housing support. At Miriam's Kitchen, the coupling of their meal program with the delivery of case management services uniquely positions them to serve our guests most effectively.

Miriam’s programs include a breakfast program that serves over 55,000 meals a year; a case management program that provides crucial social services to over 1500 clients; a housing program for 19 men that helps transition them to permanent housing; and, and after-breakfast programs that include poetry, creative writing and art.

The organization is volunteer-driven and relies on the help of over 1500 volunteers each year.

Other ways to help:

Consider making an additional donation to Miriam’s Kitchen

Solicit donations from your friends, families, co-workers, and passers-by

Bring non-perishable food and/or empty grocery bags, paper or plastic (yes, you read that right — bags) to the event. These items will be distributed to other charities.

Don’t forget:

•YOU: Willing to make a fool of yourself

•THEM: Getting food to feed the homeless and provide health services

And remember, as mentioned in the FAQ, if you raise additional funds (which go directly to Miriam’s Kitchen), you can get a head start on the other Idiots!