Oprah Winfrey Pledges $1M to Support the Women of N Street Village
Oprah Announced the Gift at the end of her Keynote Remarks at N Street Village’s
Tenth Annual Empowerment Luncheon
Today, at the tenth annual N Street Village Empowerment Luncheon, keynote speaker Oprah Winfrey announced a surprise commitment of $1 million to support the organization’s mission to help homeless and low-income women achieve personal stability and make life-changing gains in their housing, income, employment, mental health, physical health and addiction recovery.
Since its founding over 40 years ago, N Street Village has grown to be the largest provider of housing and services for women experiencing homelessness in Washington DC, and a national model for effective solutions.
In her remarks, Ms. Winfrey spoke about her commitment to intentionality; how being intentional in her own decision-making had changed her life, and how she viewed N Street Village as an “intentional organization.”
She went on to say, “In life, we all want to know: Do you hear me? Do you see me? Everyone who works at N Street Village understands that principle. They know that every woman who comes through those doors wants to be seen, heard, and to know that her life matters.”
Earlier in the event, N Street Village resident and featured speaker Lolita Mitchell spoke about the role that N Street Village played in turning her life around. In speaking about her personal journey of recovery, she said: “I turned to N Street Village and N Street turned my life around. N Street Village helped me find Lolita.”
“Every day at least one new woman comes to our front door, and our task is to meet her where she is, to reflect her own individuality and her significance, and to support her in reaching her personal goals,” noted Schroeder Stribling, N Street Village Executive Director. “We do this not only because it is effective, but because we know that with just a few small twists of fate or timing or circumstance – “she” would be me.”
“We are overwhelmed by Ms. Winfrey’s generosity,” added Stribling following the event. “Her extraordinary gift ensures we can keep our promise to each and every woman who will come to our door tomorrow, and each day after that.”
N Street Village is currently renovating their aging buildings which provide critical housing, and expanding their existing programs in order to ensure resources for all who will need them in the future. Earlier this year, the Village announced that it would nearly double in size by opening a short-term emergency housing facility at a fourth location. Services at the new facility will include 24-hour support and on-site case management to help residents meet their health, wellness and long-term housing goals.
Lead Sponsors for the N Street Village Empowerment Luncheon included Discovery Communications, Pepco, TD&P Consulting, Inc., Peter Shields & Ace Werner /Wiley Rein LLP.
Stuart Allen
202-669-8035
sallen@nstreetvillage.org
For over 40 years, N Street Village has helped women achieve personal stability and make life-changing gains in their housing, income, employment, mental health, physical health and addiction recovery. The Village empowers homeless and low-income women to claim their highest quality of life by offering a broad spectrum of services and advocacy in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. The organization also provides affordable rental housing for low- and moderate-income individuals and families. For more about N Street Village, please visit http://www.nstreetvillage.org.
