Whether you’re new to Columbia Heights or just encountered a new issue for the first time, our neighborhood resource guide is here to help! Have a suggestion for the guide?
City Services
How do I schedule a bulk trash pick-up?
The Department of Public Works (DPW) collects large, bulky items by appointment from residential households that receive DPW trash collection service. Apartment buildings with four or more units, condominiums, co-ops and other commercial properties must have their bulk items removed by a private, licensed hauler.
Bulk trash pick-up requests go through DC’s 311 service. You can call 311, visit 311, or download the mobile app to make an appointment. Requests take 10-21 days to fulfill.
311 for City Services
311 is a service that allows people in the District to Columbia to request assistance with city services and information. You can call 311 on the phone, use the online 311 portal, or download the iPhone/Android app and easily submit and manage requests from your phone.
Examples of 311 issues include:
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Trash collection problems or to schedule a bulk pick-up
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Request or purchase new recycling or trash bins
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Yard waste
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Broken meters
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Potholes
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Abandoned autos
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Parking enforcement
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Tree services
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Illegal dumping
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Street light repair
What day is my trash/recycling picked up?
Community Resources
Local Listservs & Groups
Yes, there are many! Here’s a quick list:
Facebook Groups:
- Columbia Heights Group: This is a general group for residents of the Columbia Heights neighborhood. It is not a place for commercial postings.
- Columbia Heights Buy/Sell/Trade/Gift Group: This group is for sharing surplus resources, whether by lending, gifting, selling or otherwise in Columbia Heights.
- Buy Nothing Columbia Heights/Mount Pleasant/Park View, Washington, DC Group: This is the official Buy Nothing project group for Columbia Heights residents. They offer members a way to give and receive, share, lend, and express gratitude. Selling is not permitted.
- Columbia Heights Appreciation Society Group: This is an informal meet-up group for local area residents.
- Columbia Heights Dog Park Group: A group for those who frequent the dog park located at 11th & Park NW in Columbia Heights. This group is for sharing information about efforts to save and improve the park; dog park events; lost and found dogs in the neighborhood; and other information relevant to those who use the dog park.
- Columbia Heights Parents Group: For parents who live in Columbia Heights.
- Leaning In & Falling Over – Professional Moms (20009, 20010, 20011) Group: For professional/working moms who live in the 20009, 20010, 20011 zip codes.
Listservs:
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Columbia Heights Parents (Google Group)
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Columbia Heights (Google Group)
Food Assistance For Families/Individuals
There are many resources available throughout DC. Here are a few local to the Columbia Heights area.
Due to COVID-19, community organizations throughout the District are distributing fresh and non-perishable groceries to families who need them. Please call ahead to confirm their hours. Community sites in Columbia Heights include:
- Martha’s Table: Martha’s Table provides no-cost grocery distribution at their Maycroft Lobby Market (1474 Columbia Rd Northwest) Monday-Friday from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Visit their website for more details.
- The Table Church (1459 Columbia Road NW)—1st & 3rd Saturdays of the month; 7:15am until the food is gone. 202-618-6050
- The Salvation Army at Sherman Ave (3335 Sherman Ave NW—Monday to Friday from 9AM – 2:30PM. 202-829-0100
- Spanish Catholic Center (1618 Monroe Street NW)—Wednesdays 9AM-12PM 202-939-2400
- Thrive DC (1525 Newton St NW)—Monday to Friday, 10AM-3PM. 202-737-9311
Additionally, groceries and meals are available through Ward 1 Mutual Aid. Mutual Aid is a network of volunteers who can help with a variety of things, such as resources, like food or money, or skills, like driving or picking up prescriptions. Contact (202) 681-9183 or Email.
Food Assistance for Seniors
There are many resources across the District for seniors. Here are a few that serve the Columbia Heights neighborhood.
- We Are Family Senior Outreach Senior: We Are Family provides free monthly grocery delivery for seniors in Columbia Heights. Contact them by phone (202-487-8698) or (Email) to enroll.
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Food For All DC – Serving those who are homebound, including elderly citizens, handicapped, or single mothers with young children. Social Worker referral preferred. Deliveries every Saturday, 9:00am – 2:00pm. (240) 505-4607.
Food Assistance For Youth
Due to COVID-19, all DC youth ages 18 and younger may receive free grab-and go meals at DCPS and DPR meal site locations through June 30th, 2021.
Please note that during this period, DC youth are not required to be enrolled DC Public Schools students to receive meals. Youth and or parents/guardians on their behalf may receive up to 3 breakfast and 3 lunch meals daily.
Here are the meal sites & times in Columbia Heights:
- Columbia Heights Education Campus: 3101 16th Street NW, 10 am – 2 pm
- Columbia Heights Recreation Center: 1480 Girard St NW, 10 am – 2 pm
Neighborhood Nonprofits & Volunteer Opportunities
Wondering what nonprofit organizations exist in Columbia Heights? Here’s a list of a few of the incredible nonprofits that are located in, and serve, the Columbia Heights community:
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Columbia Heights Main Street: Columbia Heights Main Street is a program of District Bridges, and it serves the businesses, organizations, and individuals who live, work and play our community. The Main Street program provides direct technical assistance to local businesses to help them thrive, and also organizes local events and promotions that draw people to the neighborhood, create volunteer opportunities, and connect stakeholders together. Learn more and sign up to get involved here.
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We Are Family Senior Outreach Network: We Are Family is volunteer-run organization committed to serving isolated inner-city seniors with free services, advocacy, and companionship, and building a network of caring eyes and ears that enables at-risk seniors to age in place.
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Martha’s Table: Martha’s Table has several locations throughout the city, including a location at The Maycroft in Columbia Heights. Martha’s Table provides healthy food access, childcare (for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers), and groceries at their Maycroft location. Call them to learn more about their services and hours: (202) 328-6608
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826DC: 826DC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 6-18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write.They provide drop-in tutoring, field trips, after-school workshops, in-school programs, help for English language learners, and assistance with student publications.
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Latino Economic Development Center: The Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) equips Latinos and other underserved communities with the skills and financial tools to create a better future for their families and communities. Participants in their programs learn how to build their long-term financial security by buying and staying in their homes, taking control of decisions affecting their apartment buildings, and starting or expanding their small businesses.
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Latin American Youth Center: The Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) provides bilingual programs and opportunities in academics, arts and recreation, job readiness, safe housing, and health and wellness to help youth make a successful transition to young adulthood.
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11th & Bark: 11th & Bark is 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to making the Columbia Heights Dog Park an official city off-leash dog park.
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Columbia Heights Green: Columbia Heights Green is a community-run urban farm. The farm features farm 16 raised-bed plots, a greenhouse, butterfly gardens, berry patches, native flowering & shade trees, green job training, and a learning & gathering space.
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FRESHFARM: FRESHFARM is the nonprofit behind the Columbia Heights Farmer’s Market. They promote sustainable agriculture and improve food access. They are always in need of volunteers to help with market operations.
Bars & Restaurants
Columbia Heights is packed with incredible local bars and restaurants. To keep up with the latest openings and specials, check out our local business news section and Columbia Heights Main Street—particularly their blog and Instagram.
Where To Get Groceries
Columbia Heights has plenty of options for groceries. Know a great spot we missed? Drop us a note to let us know.
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Giant Food (1345 Park Road)
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Farmer’s Market (Park Road & 14th Street NW) – Run by the nonprofit FRESHFARM, the Columbia Heights Farmer’s Market takes place at Civic Plaza and operates year-round on Saturdays (details here) and on Wednesdays during the summer (details here).
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Odd Provisions (3301 11th Street NW) – Fabulous locally-owned specialty grocery store featuring local beer/wine, snacks, sandwiches, gifts & more.
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Sonya’s Market (2833 11th Street NW) – Great locally-owned neighborhood corner store. Good spot to pick up essentials.
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Black Lion Market (3500 14th Street NW A) – Great little store with all kinds of international merchandise. They also carry products from local and organic suppliers. Read more about them here.
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Panam International (3552 14th Street NW) – Excellent neighborhood mercado with a very good inventory of food products, including fresh produce and meat cuts. Solid selection of Latino foods.
Local Government
What is an ANC?
An ANC is a non-partisan, neighborhood body made up of locally elected representatives called Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners (ANC). They are a unique feature of the District’s Home Rule Charter.
The Commissioners, who serve two-year terms without pay, are elected at DC Elections in November in even-numbered years (e.g. 2018). The ANCs were established to bring government closer to the people, and to bring the people closer to government.
Each ANC area is subdivided into a number of smaller areas. Since only one Commissioner is elected per district, they are called Single Member Districts (SMDs).
The ANCs’ main job is to be their neighborhood’s official voice in advising the District government (and Federal agencies) on things that affect their neighborhoods. Although they are not required to follow the ANCs’ advice, District agencies are required to give the ANCs’ recommendations “great weight.” Moreover, District law says that agencies cannot take any action that will significantly affect a neighborhood unless they give the affected ANCs 30 days advance notice. This includes zoning, streets, recreation, education, social services, sanitation, planning, safety, budget, and health services.
Which ANC is Columbia Heights?
Columbia Heights is located in ANC1A, and primarily spans ANC1A and ANC1B.
To locate your specific ANC and Single Member District, enter your address into the DC.gov “Locate Your ANC” finder.
Who is my Comissioner?
You can find your ANC, Single Member District, and the name of your Commissioner by entering your address into the DC.gov “Locate My ANC” finder.
Parents & Kids
Food Assistance For Youth
Due to COVID-19, all DC youth ages 18 and younger may receive free grab-and go meals at DCPS and DPR meal site locations through June 30th, 2021.
Please note that during this period, DC youth are not required to be enrolled DC Public Schools students to receive meals. Youth and or parents/guardians on their behalf may receive up to 3 breakfast and 3 lunch meals daily.
Here are the meal sites & times in Columbia Heights:
- Columbia Heights Education Campus: 3101 16th Street NW, 10 am – 2 pm
- Columbia Heights Recreation Center: 1480 Girard St NW, 10 am – 2 pm
Local Parent Listservs & Groups
Yes, there are several!
Looking for places to play around Columbia Heights? We have you covered! Know a great spot we missed? Drop us a note to let us know.
- Columbia Heights Parents Group: A Facebook group for parents who live in Columbia Heights.
- Leaning In & Falling Over – Professional Moms (20009, 20010, 20011) Group: A Facebook group for professional/working moms who live in the 20009, 20010, 20011 zip codes.
- Columbia Heights Parents (Google Group)
Local Children’s Activities & Play Spaces
Located in the DC USA building, Magic Ground is an indoor playground with a dedicated area for toddlers. Recommended for ages 18 months to 8-years-old. There’s also a small cafe inside. Note: Temporarily closed due to COVID-19.
Full service facility that serves constituents from toddlers to seniors. The 4-story building is equipped with specialized program areas such as a dance studio, arts & craft room, a recording studio, fitness room, computer lab, multi-purpose room and gymnasium.
Petite urban park featuring a playground & splash fountain, a basketball court & game tables. Bonus: there’s a splash pad in the summer time!
The Civic Plaza is the spot for many neighborhood activities, including the farmer’s market, but during the summers it serves as a spray park (splash pad) during the summer.
Originally used by streetcars, the site has a train-themed playground, seating & tables to play chess & checkers.
Meridian Hill Park is a structured urban park that was designed and built between 1912 and 1940. It features a lot of wide open space (perfect for picnics, games, running around, etc) as well as a 13-basin cascading fountain. There is a drum circle each Sunday at 3 PM, and the park is filled with drums, dance, and excitement.
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Park Road Park (3316 New Hampshire Ave NW): Small triangle green space, good for picnics.
Parking
Do I need a residential parking permit for my street?
In DC, some streets are zoned for Residential Parking Permits (RPP). This means vehicles must have a residential parking permit to park there more than 2-hours.
You can find out whether your street requires an RPP by using this database tool.
How do I get a residential parking permit?
DC DMV issues RPPs to eligible vehicles as part of the vehicle registration process. You can visit a DC DMV service center, provide your vehicle registration card, valid DC DMV credential or reciprocity permit, and pay the applicable fees.
You may also request an RPP online during the renewal of your vehicle registration. If you need RPP and it is not time to renew your registration, you must make an in-person visit to a DC DMV service center. Details here.
What’s the difference between a visitor parking permit and a visitor parking pass?
Visitor parking permits are issued by the Metropolitan Police Department. These are one-time permits that are issued specifically for your guest (you must provide your guest’s name and license plate when applying).
Visitor parking passes are issued by DDOT. They are a valid for an entire calendar year, and are not specific to a particular guest. Whenever someone visits you and plans to stay for more than 2-hours, they can display the pass on their dashboard to avoid being ticketed.
Note: Visitor permits and passes are only needed in areas that are zoned for Residential Permit Parking.
How can I get a visitor parking permit?
Visitor parking permits are issued by the Metropolitan Police Department. District of Columbia residents may obtain visitor parking permits free of charge by making an application in person at a police station or substation in the ward in which they reside.
Columbia Heights Police Station:
Applicants must provide proof of residency as well as the license plate number of the visitor’s vehicle. More details here.
Parks & Recreation
Community Gardens
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Columbia Heights Green (3321 11th St NW): A community-run urban farm. Read more about their work (& how to get involved) in our blog post, Columbia Heights Green Crucial To Feeding DC’s Food Insecure During Pandemic.
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Twin Oaks Community Garden (14th Street NW & Taylor Street NW): The garden is owned by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation and is managed by a Garden Board. Plots are 10 feet by 15 feet in size and are available to rent for an annual fee of $30.
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Euclid Street Garden (Euclid Street & 14th Street NW): Established in 2012 in partnership with the DC Department of Parks & Recreation, the garden contains 40 11′ x 4′ plots (4 of which are ADA accessible), an orchard, a communal herb garden, and several pollinator habitats. Plots are $30/year.
Athletic Fields & Courts
Full service facility that serves constituents from toddlers to seniors. The 4-story building is equipped with specialized program areas such as a dance studio, arts & craft room, a recording studio, fitness room, computer lab, multi-purpose room and gymnasium.
You can find a basketball court & game tables here.
Powell Recreation Center has a ball field & tennis courts.
