Transition Assistance Program
The Transition Assistance Program (TAP), an outreach mission of the Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church, provides direct services to working and unemployed, often homeless, individuals who come to the church for assistance. In 2010, 862 people received assistance.
TAP helps people obtain identification documents (birth certificate and non-driver’s ID) needed for employment, short-term transportation assistance to verified new jobs, referrals, clothing and food. TAP serves people from the entire Washington metropolitan area, with most coming from the inner city.
Over 90 agencies refer clients to TAP. Many are referred from shelters for the homeless, halfway houses and substance abuse treatment programs.
The program is staffed by Juan Carlos Benavides, a bilingual outreach worker, along more than 40 volunteers who interview clients, work in the office, help with food and clothing and make sandwiches. TAP always welcomes volunteers to work in the office, write grant proposals, purchase groceries, make sandwiches, or sort clothing.
For a complete description of TAP, see the TAP 2012 Annual Report (pdf) or click here for a program brochure.
TAP is open three mornings a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday) from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Clients should arrive by 8:30 a.m. to sign in. Up to 15 clients may be seen each day.