About TERRIFIC, Inc.
TERRIFIC Inc. (Temporary Emergency Residential Resource Institute for Families in Crisis) provides critical support and resources to families and individuals in crisis.
Established in 1975 by The Reverend Debbie Tate and a group of volunteers, TERRIFIC Inc. is an internationally recognized nonprofit organization that offers housing and human services tailored to families confronting structural and social challenges. The organization distinguishes itself by integrating housing assistance with comprehensive biopsychosocial support, effectively bridging service gaps for individuals with limited access to care and resources. Through its advocacy efforts, TERRIFIC Inc. advances progress toward universal access to affordable and supportive housing. The organization's programs have received both national and international recognition.
TERRIFIC Inc. offers integrated services, including housing, social services, case management, psychosocial support, housing assistance, and resources for food insecurity. These services are designed for individuals and families facing urgent and complex health challenges, such as HIV. This holistic approach ensures clients receive immediate and coordinated support during critical periods.
2025: Advancing patient care and services
TERRIFIC, Inc. celebrates 51 years in the healthcare industry and announces the expansion of TERRIFIC at Takoma.
The team at TERRIFIC at Takoma is dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate care, empowering individuals through education, and offering programs that support community well-being. We also offer safe, well-equipped spaces for similar organizations to thrive. To learn more or to join our community, please request additional information.
Board of Directors
The District of Columbia
Deborah Tate - Chair
Antonio Hines
Jennifer Joffee
Michelle Tolver
Jacqueline Echols
Shirelle Howze
Vance Shepard
Board of Directors
Maryland
Joan McCarley - Chair
Joseph Dunston
Arlene Leland
Daniel Wilson
Abdullah Barrows
Prathap Jayaraman
Nancy Levy
Wendy Minor
MISSION STATEMENT
MISSION
For more than half a century, our dedicated clinicians, social workers, nutritionists, nurses, and staff have improved countless lives across the Greater Metropolitan Area, guaranteeing everyone has access to compassionate care. We go beyond the basics, offering programs and services that nurture the whole person. Every initiative embodies our steadfast dedication to exceptional care for every individual
TERRIFIC, Inc.’s mission is to meet the bio-psychosocial needs of “Families in Crisis” (people who share similar challenges that impede their access to care, resources and quality life). TERRIFIC, Inc. believes that all people should have access to affordable housing and quality support services.
VALUES
True to its motto, “People Helping People,” TERRIFIC, Inc. affirms that the true measure of its continued existence is determined by quality services and its demonstrated commitment to the populations it serves. TERRIFIC, Inc. believes that no person’s age, sex, race, national origin, color, faith, expression of, or sexual orientation should exclude them from safe, clean, affordable housing, nurturing residential care or quality support services. Each individual it serves, by the right of birth, is a valuable human being who deserves the right to optimal quality care. TERRIFIC, Inc. emphasizes dedication, commitment, responsibility, cooperation, appreciation and privilege to provide services to others.
VISION
TERRIFIC, Inc.’s vision is to transform our immediate, local, national and global world through the creation, development, implementation and delivery of education, services and works provided by a cadre of concerned, committed, compassionate, qualified leaders, employees, and volunteers.
