Over one in ten Washingtonians is Latino, and the majority of these are immigrants; up to 80% of them need legal services, unaffordable for many with limited English skills, unstable housing, and low wages. CARECEN provides them with low- and no-cost direct services, helping them reunite their families, defend against deportation, gain permanent residency, and attain citizenship. Citizenship classes are paired with English language and interpretation support to thoroughly equip individuals, while election forums and voter registration campaigns encourage their full civic participation. Housing counseling and tenant rights workshops give community members vital financial literacy tools to prevent their displacement. At public hearings CARECEN advocates for immigrants' rights, ensuring its community is protected against discrimination. Each year, CARECEN ensures over 1,000 immigrants can thrive across our community.

Headquarters: DC-Ward 1

Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; MD-Montgomery County; MD-Prince George's County; VA-Arlington County; VA-Fairfax County; VA-City of Alexandria; VA-City of Fairfax

Age Groups Served: Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24); Adult (25-49); Seniors (50+)

Population(s) Served: Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Men/Boys; Women/Girls; Immigrants/Refugees


  • Number of people (clients, patrons, students, etc) we serve annually:   2500
  • Number of volunteers who work with us annually:   100
  • Number of clients that recieve immigration legal assistance:   1752
  • Number of participants assisted in the housing program:   775
  • Number of individuals benefited from citizenship classes, tutoring, citizenship info sessions:   594

Awards & Recognition

Proclamation for 35th Anniversary, 2016
Community Partner Paper Award, 2016
Partner Award from Capital Area Asset Builders, 2011
Latino Non-Profit of the Year Award, 2011
Recognition from Embassy of El Salvador, 2011
Servant of Justice Award, 1992
Hugh A. Johnson Jr. Memorial Award, 1990

Press

Budget (FY2023)

  • $3 million or higher
  • The current budget for Central American Resource Center is: $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

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