Miriam's Kitchen offers a free hot breakfast every morning, Monday through Friday, rain or shine, holiday or not, we are open.  In addition to breakfast Miriam's offers a variety of during breakfast services, Case Management, the After-Breakfast Program, and Miriam’s Café.     Miriam’s Kitchen Program Information  Breakfast:  Monday-Friday, 6:30 am – 8:00 am 6:30 am:  cereal, coffee, and tea 7:00 - 8:00 am:  hot, nutritious breakfast During Breakfast Services: Monday:  Psychiatrist Dr. Steve Steury Wednesday:  Lawyers from the Washington Legal Clinic Thursday: Outreach to Veterans Friday:  Unity Health Care Medical Clinic Van After-Breakfast Program:  Monday-Friday, 8:15 am – 9:45 am Monday - Art, haircuts, poetry Tuesday - Art, writing Wednesday - Art, writing, crafts and cardmaking Thursday - Art, Miriam's Dialog, haircuts Friday - Art, crafts and card making, writing Case Management:  Monday-Friday, 6:30 am – 9:45 am Toiletries Clothing (first 20 orders) Help obtaining ID cards and birth certificates (proof of homelessness referral required) Bus tokens for documented medical, legal, and job appointments Referrals to addiction and mental health programs Free mailing address and voicemail system Miriam's Kitchen has three case managers who can help you meet your goals. If you're looking for housing, income benefits, employment, legal assistance, need help obtaining identification, filling out forms or applying for benefits, trying to contact family members, need to find medical care, or want to find a rehab program, they can help you. Or, if you just need someone to talk to, they are there for you. The Case Managers' office is located in the dining room, near the coffee and hot water. They are available during breakfast, the After-Breakfast Program, and Miriam's Café. Miriam’s Café:  Wednesday, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm Refreshments and Case Management services Haircuts Doorprizes Spa Day once per month Contact information  Case Management Office:  202-452-8089 Senior Case Manager:  Adam Rocap, 202-452-8926 x. 5#   Want information on the topics below? Click on them to find out more.  If you would like information on other services in DC please click here. Hypothermia Heat Exhaustion Depression HIV/AIDS Hypothermia Definition: a dangerous and potentially fatal condition where the temperature of the body falls under 95F (35C). It usually occurs via unclothed exposure to cold temperatures or prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures even while clothed. Who is most at risk: people who are young or old, people experiencing heart problems, people who are tired, people who have recently used drugs or alcohol, or anybody who endures cold temperatures for a prolonged period of time. Commonly caused by: exposure to the cold while wearing wet clothes; an uncovered head; poor fluid intake; or heavy physical activity in the cold. Signs and Symptoms: confusion drowsiness loss of coordination pale/cold skin shivering slow breathing. If you or someone else is exhibiting signs of hypothermia: As much as possible move indoors or under shelter: away from a cold, windy, or wet environment Call 911 or get them to a hospital Remove any/all wet clothes Insulate with extra clothes and wrap the head/neck Gradually re-warm a person by applying warm towels or water bottles; simply breathing in warm (room temperature) air is also beneficial Never attempt to drastically re-warm a person by placing in a hot stream of water or directly in front of a heat source; this will likely do more harm than good. To prevent hypothermia from occurring in colder weather: Wear sufficient clothing Wear wind proof and water resistant clothes In addition to clothes: wear gloves, a scarf, and a hat If possible limit outdoor exposure If being in the cold is unavoidable, don't drink alcohol or smoke; also make sure to eat sufficient food Back to top Heat Exhaustion Definition: Overheating of the body due to excessive loss of water or salt depletion. Heat exhaustion is not life threatening unless it becomes heat stroke. Signs and Symptoms: Thirst Headache Dizziness Possible nausea or vomiting Stomach or leg cramps Rapid heartbeat If you or somebody else is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion: Get out of the sun and into a shady area or an air conditioned building Lay down and slightly elevate legs Drink cold water of sports drink Spray with cool water or fan Call 911 if fever is above 104 degrees, fainting occurs, or if the person has been out of the sun and drinking water or a sports drink for 30 minutes and does not feel better Heat Stroke Definition: The body is overheated and the mechanisms that normally deal with overheating, like sweating, are not functioning, so the body has no way to fight the overheating. This is life threatening if not treated immediately. Signs and Symptoms No sweat Disorientation and difficulty walking Dizziness or fainting Mental confusion Temperature over 104 degrees Nausea or vomiting Strong, fast pulse Weakness If you or somebody else is exhibiting signs of heat stroke: Call 911 or get to a hospital fast Get out of the sun Place cold packs on the victim's neck, armpit, and groin if possible and fan victim Lay flat with legs elevated 1-2 inches To prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke in warm weather: Wear light colored and lightweight clothing Wear a hat Drink a lot of water -- if you are thirsty you are not drinking enough Do not drink alcohol -- it dehydrates the body Wear sunscreen if possible -- it helps cool your skin If possible stay out of the sun during mid-day (even if this means sitting in the shade instead of in direct sunlight) Back to top Clinical Depression Definition: A mental illness that affects the body, mood, and thoughts. It affects every aspect of a person's life, including eating and sleeping. It is not a passing mood that can be pushed away. If it is untreated it can last months or even years. Signs and Symptoms: (Note: all those suffering from depression may not experience all of these symptoms.) Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood Feelings of hopelessness Feelings of guilt and worthlessness Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities Fatigue and decreased energy Difficulty concentrating and remembering Trouble sleeping or oversleeping Loss or increase in appetite along with weight gain or loss Irritability Chronic pain or headaches that do not respond to treatment What to do if you or somebody you know is suffering from depression Talk to somebody about your feelings Make an appointment with a psychiatrist Miriam's has a psychiatrist Friday mornings during breakfast (M-F 6:30-8am) or call Spring Road at 576-7254 If you or somebody you know is in a crisis situation (suicide is being considered or you don't know how to handle the situation) call 1-888-WE-HELP for immediate assistance Talk to a case manager at Miriam's There are treatments available that can help you feel better Source: National Institute of Mental Health Manic-Depressive/Bi-Polar Definition: A form of depression characterized by extreme feelings of highs (mania) and lows (depression). When an individual is in a depressed cycle they may suffer from all the symptoms of a depressed person. When and individual is in a manic cycle their thinking may be clouded which may lead to irrational behavior. Signs and Symptoms: Mania (high) Cycle Abnormal elation Unusual irritability Little sleep needed Increased talking Fast, unconnected thoughts Increased energy with no explanation Abnormally inappropriate social behavior Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers Aggressive behavior Poor judgement Signs and Symptoms: Depressed Cycle Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood Feelings of hopelessness Feelings of guilt and worthlessness Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities Fatigue and decreased energy Difficulty concentrating and remembering Trouble sleeping or oversleeping Loss or increase in appetite along with weight gain or loss Irritability Chronic pain or headaches that do not respond to treatment What to do if you or somebody you know may be suffering from Bi-polar disorder: Talk to somebody about your feelings Make an appointment with a psychiatrist Miriam's has a psychiatrist Friday mornings during breakfast (M-F 6:30-8am) or call Spring Road at 576-7254 If you or somebody you know is in a crisis situation (suicide is being considered or you don't know how to handle the situation) call 1-888-WE-HELP for immediate assistance Talk to a case manager at Miriam's There are treatments available that can help you feel better Source: National Institute of Mental Health Back to top HIV AND AIDS: BASIC FACTS HIV -- A disease that enters your body where it infects and kills CD4 cells. This makes it harder for your body to fight off disease and infection. AIDS -- When the HIV infection has killed off all but 200 of your CD4 cells, or you have HIV and certain diseases like, tuberculosis or pneumonia. The number of CD4 cells in a healthy person ranges from 1000 to 1800. HIV can be transmitted through the following bodily fluids: Blood Menstrual blood/period Semen/cum Precum Vaginal secretions/fluids Breast milk HIV cannot be transmitted through any of the following bodily fluids: Saliva Sweat Tears Urine Feces Those most at risk for contracting HIV are those who have been involved in the following activities: Having sexual relations, including oral sex, without using a latex condom Sharing drug needles or syringes The risk of contracting HIV is dramatically reduced if you practice the following: Use a latex condom during sexual relations of any kind Do not share needles or do any drugs that may impair your judgement You can be tested for HIV at Miriam's Kitchen. Come in during breakfast and speak with a case manager. Sources: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Whitman Walker Clinic, National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention HIV TESTING If any of the following apply to you then you should consider being tested for HIV: Having sexual relations, including oral sex, without using a latex condom Had a sexually transmitted disease, like syphilis or genital herpes (having these diseases makes it easier to contract HIV) Sharing needles or syringes There are benefits to having an HIV test, such as if you do test positive you will be able to stay healthier, get life prolonging treatments, treat HIV related illnesses more effectively, and avoid passing the disease on to others. If you would like to schedule an HIV test or talk to someone about HIV you can call the Whitman Walker Clinic at 202-332-EXAM Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 3:00pm or speak to a case manager at Miriam's Kitchen. The test is free and confidential. Whitman Walker uses OraSure, an oral test, not a blood test. You can also walk-in Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm at Family Medical Counseling, located at 2041 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., SE. They offer free HIV testing. Their phone number is 202-889-7900. If you test positive for the HIV virus it means that you have to live a healthy life. This means regular doctor visits, eating healthy, and not using drugs or alcohol. Many people infected with HIV live 8-12 years with no symptoms, and new treatments are constantly being developed. It is important not to pass on the HIV virus. You can ensure this will not happen by: Using a latex condom if you have sex of any kind Not sharing needles, razors, or any items that touch your blood Not donating blood Not breast feeding a baby It is important to remember that casual contact will not pass on the HIV virus. So touching and hugging are safe activities. If you have any questions about HIV or weather you are at risk call the Whitman Walker Clinic at 202-365-5225 or speak to a case manager at Miriam's Kitchen. Sources: Whitman Walker Clinic, National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and the National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention Back to top

2401 Virginia Avenue NW  Washington, DC 20037 Tel: (202) 452-8926 Fax:  (202) 835-8376 Email:  info@miriamskitchen.org