"We can act now to assure that the children and families who live today with little hope will not be abandoned in the hostile territory of inner cities, where work and community have disappeared and anomie reigns. We can act now to assure that they can become part of the American dream in the next century. With more robust and systematic support to sustain reformed programs and community initiatives, we can begin to move our victories from the small scale to the medium scale." Common Purpose by Lizbeth Schorr, Doubleday 1997.

Founded as a Settlement House
Friendship House Association was formed in 1904 by community volunteers who were concerned about the living conditions and urgent economic needs of their neighbors in the areas surrounding the United States Capitol. They modeled the agency after settlement houses such as Chicago’s Hull House, where some staff lived on site and welcomed people from the community into the house for classes, employment training, counseling, day-care and cultural enrichment.

Early Years in the Maples
In 1936, Friendship House Association moved into its present headquarters, in the historic landmark known as the Maples. This historic property was built in 1798 during the Federal Period by architect-builder William Lovering. Francis Scott Key was one of its many distinguished owners.

Over the decades from its location at the Maples, Friendship House has launched dozens of innovative programs in economic development, youth development, family counseling, child development, and community services. Friendship House has operated a coop grocery store, built and renovated housing, run a summer camp, and started a Montessori School.

New Directions
Under its current Chairman of the Board, Carnice Rawl, Friendship House is once again expanding its activities to help serve as an engine of change in the community. FHA has also reactivated its historical economic and community development role to stimulate individual entrepreneurship, increase employability of individuals in the community, and invest in programs to strengthen community assets. Program services are focused in four areas ¾ supportive social services and self-sufficiency programs; economic and community development initiatives and services; job training; work experience and employment services.

With the support of hundreds of volunteers, Friendship House operates 15 satellite locations in public housing complexes, churches and other community sites throughout the southern quadrant of the city.