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It is normally a joyous day when a hospitalized patient learns they are stable enough to be discharged home. But what if you are a person experiencing homelessness? Imagine having to heal from a major surgery while living on the street. Envision trying to cope with the challenges of a chronic illness without the bare necessities of life—clean water, nutritious food, and a safe place to sleep at night.
Our Mission
The Carbon to Diamond Medical Respite and Shelter will provide dignified care to people who are experiencing homelessness as they heal from injuries and recover from illnesses. We are dedicated to helping our clients break the cycle of homelessness by offering a wide range of supportive services.
People experiencing homelessness often receive donations of items that are old and worn out. Our approach is different. We are committed to providing a sense of calm, safety, and relaxation for our clients through facilities designed with a spa aesthetic. Our goal is for every facility to serve as a beacon of hope and a "rainbow after the storm" for those we serve.
Our Vision
A future in which safe, supportive medical recuperation is equitably available to every individual experiencing homelessness. By providing this critical access, we aim to disrupt the cycle of illness and instability, empowering our clients toward sustained independence and holistic well-being.
Our initial locations will be in Maryland and Washington, DC, followed by locations in all of the states that have the largest number of individuals experiencing homelessness.
Services We Will Offer
Medical Respite
We offer post-acute care for persons experiencing homelessness who are too sick or frail to recover from a physical illness or injury on the streets but are not ill enough to be in a hospital. We provide short-term residential care that allows individuals experiencing homelessness the opportunity to rest in a safe environment while accessing medical care. Our clients will also have access to showers, laundry facilities, three meals each day prepared by our chef, and transportation to outside appointments.
Emergancy Shelter
We will provide immediate, short-term housing for individuals, families, or disaster victims facing homelessness or living in unsafe living conditions.
Transitional Housing
Our goal is to locate affordable housing for our clients. We aim to cultivate robust working relationships with a diverse network of permanent supportive housing programs and private landlords.
Case Management Services
Our case managers will collaborate with new clients, the medical team, and external agencies to create individualized case plans. The primary objective is to help clients secure stable, affordable housing and ensure they develop the necessary skills for self-sufficiency and independence after achieving medical recovery.
End of Life Care
We provide a dignified alternative for individuals facing terminal illnesses, ensuring they do not die alone on the street. This includes a comfortable place to live during their final days, where they receive assistance with basic care, meals, laundry, and cleaning. Our services also include holistic, non-medical support from an end-of-life doula. The doula offers emotional and physical comfort, helps create a peaceful and meaningful environment, ensures the dying person’s wishes are honored, and assists with legacy projects. Skilled nursing and physician services will be provided through partnerships with hospice organizations.
Five to Thrive
Education is key to building a strong foundation and fostering upward mobility. Our clients, having survived the challenges of homelessness, are now positioned to thrive through our five-step educational program. This program is designed to equip them with the necessary skills to break the cycle of homelessness, focusing on progress one lesson and one day at a time.
Health
Help each client learn about their medical issues and medications. We will teach them how to advocate for themselves during future appointments with their medical providers. We want them to feel empowered and confident that they will be able to successfully manage their conditions in the future.
The Way to Wellness
Will discuss the importance of quality nutrition, restorative sleep, and stress management.
Community Support
How to navigate available community resources to acquire food, clothing, and household goods.
Computer Skills
Assist them in acquiring fundamental computer skills necessary for effective job searching.
Life Skills
Topics covered include fundamental budgeting skills, how to open a checking account, and how to use public transportation, all of which are essential for managing new income or benefits.
Diamonds are formed under conditions of high temperature and pressure deep within the earth. We believe that the heat and pressure of our tribulations can turn us into diamonds.
Every Gift Builds a Foundation for Healing
Stable housing is where recovery begins. Your contribution — no matter the size — helps clients access the safe, supportive environment they need to truly heal. Choose a giving level below and make your impact today.
OUR BOARD
Ameika Bush, MD
Founder, CEO, President
Dr. Bush is a Cardiology Hospitalist with over 25 years of experience in medicine. For the last 22 years of her career, she has worked at MedStar Washington Hospital Center which is a 912-bed academic and research center. She received a B.S. in Biology from Spelman College and her medical training was completed at Howard University College of Medicine. The Bush family has been involved with volunteer work for decades, and Ameika is honored and thankful to be able to continue this Legacy.
Shannon Chambers
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Vice President
A seasoned Group Benefits professional with a commanding focus on employee engagement and financial wellness. Adept at orchestrating seamless open enrollment experiences, designing impactful employee wellness programs, and driving meaningful account management relationships. Shannon brings steep expertise across the full spectrum of core and voluntary employee benefits.
Desiree Morrison
Secretary
Desiree holds a B.S. in Operations Management and Business Analytics, along with a degree in Accounting, from the University of Maryland, College Park. During her time in college, she dedicated her time to volunteering with Terps Against Hunger, a student organization focused on providing wholesome meals to food banks, shelters, and pantries across the DC-Metro area. She then worked as a Tier 1 Management consultant at the Boston Consulting Group's Washington, DC office. Desiree is a results-driven financial sector business analyst with extensive experience across multiple sectors, including healthcare, consumer goods, public sector, and non-profits. She has a proven track record of delivering innovative solutions through effective communication, collaboration, and data analytics.
Mavis Ntam
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Fundraising Committee Chair
Mavis is an Associate Director of Prospect Research for the Medical Center Development team at Stanford University. She has extensive experience in development research, which she began at Dartmouth College, where she also completed her bachelor's degree. Before her role at Stanford, Mavis worked at George Washington University as a Senior Prospect Analyst, collaborating with the medical school, basic sciences, and engineering departments.
Richard H. Pointer, II
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Treasurer
Richard is a dependable and committed Financial Services leader with over 25 years of professional experience in Management, Finance, Auditing, and Customer Service. Currently, he oversees the financial management of the DC Police and Fire Clinic, where he is responsible for preparing the annual budget and managing the financial team. He is a graduate of UMUC with a B.S. in Business Administration. He continues to live and serve his community in Prince George’s County, Maryland, where he has raised 4 sons and positively mentored other youth as a Basketball Coach at the local recreation center for several years.
Board Advisor
Elduise Johnson, Esq.
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Board Advisor
Elduise is a seasoned Corporate General Counsel and Executive Leader with over 20 years of experience encompassing legal expertise, strategic planning, real estate transactions, consulting, coaching, and financial guidance. She is dedicated to addressing and closing economically-based disparities by championing collective and individual self-development, diversity, sustainable equity, and inclusivity. Elduise earned her B.S. in Accounting and Business Administration from the University of Maryland, College Park, and her JD from Georgetown Law School.
Timeline
December 16, 2025: Articles of incorporation were filed.
2026: Fundraising and find a location in Maryland and/or Washington, DC
January 2027: Start to build and hire staff.
January 8, 2028: Grand Opening
TIMELINE
Inclusivity
We are offering medical respite, emergency, shelter, and end-of-life care, regardless of a person’s race, ancestry, color, religion, gender, or gender expression.
Non-Discrimination Policy
The Carbon to Diamond Medical Respite and Shelter is committed to providing all employees, volunteers, and clients with an environment and workplace free from discrimination and harassment. We do not discriminate against or allow harassment of any employee, volunteer, or client based on that person’s race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, gender, identity, or expression, pregnancy, or any other basis prohibited by the law.