The Downtown Day Services Center on Washington DC‘s New York Avenue NW, opened in February 2019 to support individuals experiencing homelessness. Designed by Moya Design Partners and commissioned by the DowntownDC Business Improvement District, this 6,400-square-foot facility is part of Mayor Muriel Bowser’s initiative to make homelessness “rare, brief, and nonrecurring”.
Our design focused on creating a warm, inviting environment where comprehensive services are accessible in one location. The Center features modern amenities, including shower facilities, kitchens, restrooms, a laundry room, a TV lounge, and a meeting hall. The design also accommodates the provision of essential services such as housing assessment, health care, legal assistance, behavioral health support, and employment services—advancing social change and community impact.
Inspired by nature, the interior design incorporates natural light, greenery, and a garden-like ambiance. Using contemporary colors and eco-friendly finishes, along with thoughtful wayfinding and graphics, the Center promises a therapeutic atmosphere, reinforcing MOYA’s commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and human-centered design.