Where is the center?
​​​​​​3640 MLK Jr. Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20032
Image that has the RC on a map and a picture of the front
How can I get there?
Shuttle Bus
DOC proves free round-trip transportation for newly released residents. Available Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, to and from designated agencies and service centers. Contact the READY Center for assistance: (202) 790-6790.
From the Central Detention Facility (1901 D Street, SE) to:
- The READY Center (3640 MLK Jr. Ave. SE)
From the READY Center, to:
- Union Station – 40 Massachusetts Avenue, NE
- The Mayor’s Office of Returning Citizen Affairs – 2100 MLK Jr. Ave., SE
- The DC Department of Behavioral Health – 35 K Street, NE.
- Howard University Outpatient Center – 4414 Benning Road, NE
- DMV Adjudication Services – 955 L’Enfant Plaza, SE
- Voices for a Second Chance – 1422 Massachusetts Ave., SE
Metro Transit
The DC READY Center is accessible by Metrorail and Metrobus: Metrorail: Take the Green line to Congress Heights station, then take Metrobus routes A4 or A8, which stop near the READY Center.
What services and resources does the READY center offer?
The READY Center serves as a consolidated hub or "one-stop shop" where returning citizens can access a wide range of services from Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and District government agencies.
The READY Center is focused on consolidating resources and services within seven (7) domains:
- Mental/behavioral health
- Physical wellness
- Education/employment
- Financial
- Family
- Legal
- Community/creativity
Some READY Center service and resource offerings:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SNAP & Medicaid enrollment
- Educational services
- Vocational training in in-demand industries
- Housing service navigation
- Employment opportunities
- DC Non-Drivers Identification Card
- Counseling services & support groups
- Substance abuse services and/or treatment
- Vital Records application/renewal assistance
- Voter education and registration assistance
Who is eligible?
The READY Center serves DC residents released from:
- The DC Department of Corrections (DOC) within the past 6 months, and;
- The Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) within the past 6 months.
- Other correctional facilities within the past 6 months.
What does intake look like? Can I just show up?
Yes, new intake walk-ins are welcome during normal operating hours. Partner services, such as DMV or DHS appointments may require advanced scheduling.
What do I need to bring?
New clients should bring their DOC reentry card, FBOP reentry card/ ID, or their release papers from the correctional facility they were released from.
How Does the READY Center Engage Clients Prior to Release?
- The READY Center engages DOC residents prior to their release from DOC custody to share information about available services.
- Soon-to-be released participants complete interest forms and a screening is conducted to determine their needs.
- The READY Center connects returning citizens released within 12 months from the DC DOC and the Federal Bureau of Prisons to District of Columbia Government agencies and CBOs for available resources and services.