One in ten Washingtonians is Latino, and the majority are immigrants; many have fled violence at home, and all are seeking better opportunities. They face a host of challenges, including limited English skills, unstable employment and housing, low wages, and now COVID-19 – which has not only hit this community hard but made accessing help more difficult. Legal services and consultations to resolve immigration status, secure work authorization, gain permanent residency, and prepare for tests and interviews could not be held in person. Instead, clients have been paired with volunteer tutors to accomplish what they can – until CARECEN's doors reopen. The housing program has added assistance in completing unemployment and emergency rent assistance applications, as well as the disbursement of funds to the undocumented community. Our neighbors were under pressure before the pandemic; let's help them now.

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 (FY2015)

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

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