It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of our beloved founder, Dr. Janelle Goetcheus. Dr. Goetcheus’ compassion and vision shaped the heart of Christ House, and her legacy will continue to guide us in our work every day. We invite you to share a message for the Goetcheus family or a memory in the comments section of this page. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Janelle Goetcheus, M.D. Memorial Endowment Fund.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Dr. Goetcheus was held on November 16, 2024, honoring her life and legacy. You can view a recording of the service here.
A. Janelle Goetcheus, M.D.
Dr. Janelle Goetcheus, a tireless advocate for the underserved, passed from this life on Saturday, October 26, 2024. She was born on September 19, 1940, in Indianapolis, Indiana, and leaves behind a profound legacy of selfless service to others.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years and lifelong partner, Reverend Allen Goetcheus, their three children, John Allen (Johanna), Mark Wesley (Elisabeth), and Ann Janelle (Dan), and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Alice Coons, her father, Jesse Lloyd Coons, and a brother, John Lee Coons. Her sister, Jacqueline Ramey, survives her.
From an early age, Dr. Goetcheus’ calling to medicine was evident. After earning her Bachelor of Science degree from Ball State University in 1961 and her Doctor of Medicine degree from Indiana University School of Medicine in 1965, she and her family began preparing for overseas mission. While awaiting their visas, Dr. Goetcheus and Rev. Goetcheus visited the Church of the Saviour in Washington, D.C. While there, they were taken into the first low-income Jubilee Housing building, which was a ministry of the Church of the Saviour. The residents of that building, knowing that Dr. Goetcheus was a physician, began to share with her their tremendous need for health care. That visit forever changed their lives.
Answering a deep felt calling from God, Dr. Goetcheus, along with Rev. Goetcheus and their young children, moved to Washington D.C. in the mid-1970s. In 1979, she founded Columbia Road Health Services, a medical clinic serving persons of low income. She also helped start health centers at Community of Hope, Mary’s Center, and S.O.M.E. (So Others Might Eat). Dr. Goetcheus’ work included visiting those who were sick and living on the streets of D.C. and in homeless shelters.
Recognizing the dire need for a dignified space for unhoused persons to stay and recuperate from their medical needs, without having to return to the street or shelter, Dr. Goetcheus envisioned Christ House, the first live-in medical respite facility in the nation. Along with support from founding members of the Church of the Saviour, Christ House welcomed its first patient on Christmas Eve 1985 and has provided care for over 10,000 patient admissions in the last four decades. Dr. Goetcheus’ vision for a medical respite facility serving persons experiencing homelessness has been adapted across the country and continues to fill critical gaps in the healthcare system of our nation.
In 1985, Washington, D.C. was awarded a grant to begin the Health Care for the Homeless Project. Dr. Goetcheus became its first Medical Director. Later, the Health Care for the Homeless Project was asked to oversee several community health centers. At that time, the Health Care for the Homeless Project was renamed Unity Health Care.
Dr. Goetcheus’ dedication to the uninsured and homeless extended beyond clinical practice to serving as an essential advocate regularly testifying before legislative committees and sharing testimonies of her work with diverse groups. Dr. Goetcheus’ impact and legacy is further highlighted by her numerous awards and honors including Physician of the Year given by the American Academy of Family Physicians (1991), induction into the D.C. Women’s Hall of Fame (1989), as well as honorary degrees from Trinity Washington University (1990) and Ball State University (1995). In addition, Dr. Goetcheus received the Presidential Medal for Distinguished Service from The Catholic University of America (1987), and National Health Care for the Homeless’ Philip W. Brickner National Leadership Award (2017). She has multiple published articles, has spoken at countless events, and is well known throughout the city as a trailblazer for her work among unhoused persons.
Besides being a medical facility, Christ House was also a home for Dr. Goetcheus, who lived in the building with her family and formed relationships with patients, permanent housing members and other residents. Dr. Goetcheus cherished her family and community deeply. She and her husband, Reverend Allen Goetcheus, shared a perpetual commitment to serving others and her children and grandchildren were a source of immense joy and pride.
Dr. Goetcheus’ impact on the world will be remembered fondly, and her legacy will continue to live on through the thousands of lives she touched with her gentle spirit, compassion, and comprehensive care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Janelle Goetcheus, M.D. Memorial Endowment Fund.
My heart is feeling so heavy for sad news of Jenelle’s departure, but I know in my heart she has join those of COS in heaven, such as Gordon and Mary and all the others we have known. The sorry of those moving on is hard but knowing that heaven’s doors open up for her, an angle on earth to so many now in heaven.
Janelle was much in my thoughts and prayers as she and her loved ones dealt with her illness. But over these many years, she has had a place in my heart. I remember walking with her on Columbia Road before Christ House came into being, envisioning it and looking at each building we passed as a potential place for it. Jennelle helped me dream Family Place into existence! I remember being with her down at DC Jail, and especially her quiet competence in getting my jailed sister, Eve Tetaz, what she needed in the way of blankets and medical care. I remember the talks we had about her children and mine, and the wellbeing of all children. I remember being with her at Children’s Defense Fund galas honoring our wonderful friend, Marian Wright Edelman. I remember how tenderly Jennelle cared for Gordon and Mary in those last years, but she was no more attentive to them as she and Alan were to the least of the street people they cared for at Christ House. Over the years Jenelle was a tremendous influence on the way I (and many others) practice medicine.
I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the witness Jannelle has been to me and to so many others to the grace of God. I send my blessings and my love to Alan and their family, and to her beloved Christ House family.
An amazing doctor, mom, grammy, advocate, and human being. She will be forever missed, and her loyalty to the homeless community will live on. The most kind person I’ve ever met!!! RIP
During my 40 years at SOME, the Church of the Savior mission groups were vital interfaith partners in the service to the very poor. Janelle especially was an inspiration to all of us She epitomized the Gospel of Hospitality and radical acceptance. She saw the face of Christ in every person.
I lived at Christ House the summer of 1986 after reading about it in Sojourners. I worked as a student nurse volunteer. The example of Dr Goetcheus and the other Christ House role models have stayed with me for decades. They inform how I work in the world and how I aim to balance the inner and outer components of living faithfully. I am deeply grateful for her life and work.
Dr. Goetcheus was my doctor for 10 of the 15 years I was with Sojourners. Her commitment to the marginalized and underserved, and those who serve them, is unparalleled. I will always be grateful. My prayers go out to Allen and her family as they grieve her loss but also cherish with gratitude her love and memory.
I was a young high school student in the mid 1980’s when I first heard about Dr. Goetcheus. Her example of serving the homeless and downtrodden in my city of Washington DC made a profound impact on me. I chose to pursue a career in medicine and eventually started a faith-based clinic in Fredericksburg, VA. Her story and the stories of the hundreds of missional healthcare providers who were likewise impacted by her example was an essential part of the Lord’s vision for my life and career. My heart breaks for this world’s loss, for it has become just a little smaller with the passing of one of the saints of the Kingdom. Well done, dear sister. Enjoy the paradise of God.
Dr. Janelle Goetcheus was often called “The Mother Theresa of Washington, D.C.”
She was dedicated in service to the medically needy and homeless in this city.
As a founding member of the Committee to start Columbia Road Health Services, I
saw firsthand her vision to reach this population, medically and spiritually.
I feel honored to have known her as a friend and life-long inspiration. Her spirit lives on in my heart.
Janelle was a big inspiration for me in my medical career for the underserved (Native Americans in my case). I will never forget visiting Christ House, and being so impressed with her dedication and service. She was a strong light of faith that shown across the country with profound influence by being willing to humbly serve. What an amazing life and gift! With many others I thank God for her!
For whatever reason, news of Janelle’s death hits with particular weight. It’s not sadness I feel- She lived a beautiful life and I’m sure she died with grace. What I feel is respect and awe and humility and gratitude that I got to be in her orbit for a moment or two.
She bore the gentle spirit of Christ. She was a tireless servant of the poor, sick and wounded and to the whole human family. Her life was a testimony to all that is true 💛🙏💛💛💛
Prayers for Allen and their family, the Christ House community and all who grieve.
My heart goes out to Rev. Goetcheus and family and staff at Christ House at this time. I learned
of Janelle and Allen when I married my husband. What a privilege!
Dr Goetcheus was my own doctor for several years, as well as doctor fo some of my elderly and fairly eccentric clients in the 1980s. She was such a great advocate and care provider. I thank her for saving my elderly friend’s life and for her vision that helped so many others.
Dear Mr Goetcheus , I am sorry to hear of your loss and I wish you all the strength in this time of grief. As one of your students at Taylor I will always be your fan and admire your ministry there in D.C. God be with you. Love, Bill Lang
Janelle was our family doctor for many years. She saw our children at Columbia Road Health Services and sometimes in her home if they got sick on the weekend. Her compassion was Christlike. And her vision for service was a gift to all who crossed her path. Rest in peace and power, my friend. You made us all better.
Dr. Goetcheus, was truely dedicated, Kind, full of love, and incredibly commpassionate, her kindness touched everyone who knew her, and she made a difference In so many lives.
Dr. may your soul rest in peace
ዶር ነፍስሽን በዐፀደ ገነት ያኑራት
Janelle was an amazing version of a contemporary Saint! She was all the things that people have mentioned here and more. I was blessed to have seen her visionary, loving, selfless, creative ways of seeing human needs in many forms and finding ways to create ministries, organizations, and communities to meet those needs. One particular example of her effective ministry of sharing her visionary leadership was with the Christian Community Health Fellowship. She was a keynote speaker at CCHF’s first conference in 1982, and she provided inspiration and guidance to many in CCHF over the years.
With heartfelt sadness, I celebrate the life and work of Dr. Janelle Goetcheus. There has never been or ever will be another. Janelle served humanities sick, hurting and homeless with the heart of Jesus Christ.
Neither fame or fortune clouded her judgement when it came to caring for and addressing the health needs of the less fortunate.
Her attention and care for me and my son, when we relocated to DC, was unparalleled, to any medical care I had ever received or will ever receive in the future. Of that I am certain.
Dr. Goetcheus has been a bright light of hope and care for so many in the Adams-Morgan area and around the city. He life personified the life of Christ, while He was on this earth, and with it I am sure He is well pleased.
My love and sympathy goes out to Dr. Allen and her family. Thank you for sharing such a precious person as Dr. Janelle with us and thank God for allowing her to show us love in action.
I remain humbled and in awe of having known her and blessed by her as she passed this way.
Rest from your labor, Dr Goectheus, job well done. We loved you, but God loved you best!!
R.I.P. 🤗😇🤗😇🤗😇🤗😇🤗😇🤗😇
A angel has gone home $2 be with the LORD !
May She rest in Peace 😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇 H
I fondly remember my time working with Janelle in DC at Columbia Road Health Services and working together on the board of Christian Community Health Fellowship in the early years of that group that encourages us to work with the marginalized communities. I particularly remember the presentation that Janelle gave at Luther Memorial Church in DC where the first CCHF conference was held. She has been a role model for so many of us.
She will continue to walk with us. Janelle, Presente.
Lance Loberg
Janelle … and Allen as well… exemplified Christ’s love and service. I will forever be grateful they chose to be part of C of S. I was in the mission group with her that started (then called) Columbia Road Health Services. It was an honor and a blessing to get to know her that was. Well done, good and faithful servant!
When I came to DC in 1988 as part of LVC,working at Luther Place, medicine wasn’t in my thoughts. Getting to know Dr Goetchus and others connected to Christ House sparked an interest in medicine which has led me to a career as a palliative medicine physician, now at VA Maine. How she lived definitely had an impact on me for which I am grateful.
God thru Janelle led me to DC in 1989 after hearing her speak at a CCHF conference and thru Sojourners articles. It has been the greatest privilege of my life to work at Columbia Rd Health Services for 18 years and to live and work at Christ House for 5 years.
Janelle and Allen exemplified love and service to the least of these.
Rest in peace, dear Janelle, a life well lived .
May all who grieve her passing deeply be consoled
Well done, true and faithful servant.
To John. My deepest sympathy and prayers for your loss. I trust her glorious memory will be kept in your heart forever.
My condolences to a great mom and dedicated community member. Her legacy lives through her wonderful children and extended family. An Icon.
Having grown up with Janelle and Alan and being a part of their wedding and a week later they were a part of mine, they have been in our thoughts and prayers for many years. Janelle has always been a special person as were her parents. As years have gone by jobs and distance have kept us a part but you have always had place in our heart’s. Someday we will all be together again. Alan please accept our condolences as to Janelle’s passing. Our love goes out to you and your family. Dick & Kay
Dr. Goetcheus was a true legend and inspiration. I was honored to have worked at Unity healthcare. Condolences to her family, friends and her patients.
Dr. Goetcheus always reminded me of Mother Theresa. She was a quiet spirit that showed through example her love and dedication to our community. Her daughter, Ann, started out as a young and new nursing graduate under me at DCGH and later became a physician like her mom. May Dr. Goetcheus rest in peace . Condolences to Ann and the family 🙏🏽
Judy Poole RN
DCGH
DC Department of Corrections
From our earliest days together, Janelle inspired the pioneers of the Health Care for the Homeless movement with her gentle competence and deep commitment to her Christian values. She led not by seeking power of any sort, but by her loving example, which many sought to emulate throughout her long and grace-filled life. Her presence and work in the world surely continue. Heartfelt condolences to her partner in ministry and life Allen, to Vince Keane, and to all our friends who were close to this remarkable woman.
Dear Goetcheus family and friends, several years ago, as a mentally hill, ex-inmate, I interviewed for an entry level job at Christ House. I completed the application and interview. And I was hired, But I had a crisis of conscience. I had answered dishonestly the application question about criminal history. I confessed this to the man who had hired me. I was let go. I had had brushes with homelessness, but had been rescued by my beloved mother, who let me stay at home until I received social service housing. I always remembered Christ House and the kindness it had shown me by hiring me. So when I heard of Dr. Goetcheus’s passing, I was startled. My mother sent me a notice, and I looked up Dr. Goetcheus’s obit, as my mother had added that it was quite a story. Please accept this thank-you for the opportunity you gave me at a time when I felt, really, quite hopeless.
Jon Yoder, DC
I am a patient in the Unity SW Health Center where I saw Dr. Goetcheus’s name listed as a provider.
Dear Goetcheus family and friends, several years ago, as a mentally ill ex-inmate, I interviewed for an entry level job at Christ House. I completed the application and interview. I was hired but had a crisis of conscience. I had answered falsely the application question about criminal history. I confessed this to the man who had hired me and I was let go. I had had brushes with homelessness but had been rescued by my beloved mother, who let me stay at home until I received social service housing. I always remembered Christ House and the kindness it had shown me by hiring me. So when I heard of Dr. Goetcheus’s passing, my mother sent me a notice, and I looked up Dr. Goetcheus’s obit, all those years later and even though I never met her, as my mother had added that it was quite a story. Please accept this thank-you for the opportunity you gave me at a time when I felt, really, quite hopeless.
Jon Yoder
DC
I’m a patient in the Unity SW Health Center where I saw Dr. Goetcheus’s name listed as a provider.
Gordon Cosby introduced me to Janelle Goetcheus in 1979. I had a vision for establishing a wholistic health care center connected to Church of the Savior. I was a pastoral counselor and was looking for a physician to lead the medical component of the clinic. I wrote the grant that funded us and we were off and running.
Columbia Road Health Service was only the beginning of what Janelle went on to do in service of the poor and underserved of Washington, D.C.
Her huge heart and extensive skills made a major impact on the many she served. Her selfless presence was an inspiration. I am grateful that our paths crossed, and my heart goes out to her family.
You were simply the best and embodied what Christianity is all about. RIP.
My prayers and condolences to the Goetcheus family – The DC community was so fortunate to have her as our health care champion for nearly 45 years and we are left with wonderful heartful memories
Rest in peace Dr. Goetcheus
Janelle was truly a saintly individual whose example seemed to motivate others to be the best of themselves
I grew up with Janelle and knew she was destined to help
Humanity.. her zeal toward life was remarkable, just like her love for the lord. I feel grateful and fortunate to have
been a part of her remarkable life. My prayers and love to
Her family.
I volunteered at SOME during the summer of 1988 and spent most of my time in the medical clinic. I was also able to visit Christ House. Dr. Goetcheus is someone I have never forgotten. I will keep her and her family in my prayers.
Praise God for the light of Christ that Janelle shone so brightly over so many years of devoted care for the people God cares so much for.
Praise God for the beautiful relationship of Allen and Janelle- how clearly and carefully they mutually supported each other and in so doing created a dynamic partnership of love that changed their little corner of the world.
Praise God that Janelle saw in faith the things are unseen rather than the things that are seen, enabling many of us who joined in for a time with the work of their ministry to have a clearer vision to see people as God sees them.
I thank God that I was able to cross paths with Allen and Janelle, living in Christ House community for a season, and serving as a physician at Christ House and Columbia Road Health. I learned so much more about who I was before God as I listened to the stories of others who were discovering who they were before God. We all helped each other to lower our walls and receive the love of God in Christian community.
Having lost my wife last year after years of walking together in mission, I pray for Allen as he traverses these days ahead without his soul mate in service to God.
Sp grateful for Janelle and Allen, saints of God. Janelle now knows God’s peace, and may the peace of God that transcends understanding watch over Allen in this time of loss.
The years I was director at Joseph’s House, the fact that Christ House was just down the street gave me a sense of security.
Several times under different circumstances, when a lot was at stake and I was not clear about how best to proceed in negotiations with the City, Janelle quickly and effectively advocated for us. Janelle made a way for Joseph’s House time and again.
Yet closest to my heart is a memory of an afternoon in the dining room at Christ House. The room was set up for a memorial service and was filled almost to standing room only. It was a service for Ron Holmes, who had lived at Christ House before coming to Joseph’s House where he was living when he died. It was Ron who introduced me to Joseph’s House. I sat near the back. Janelle slipped into the empty chair beside me, we nodded. She bowed her head. Some minutes later I felt myself almost leaning toward her quiet, gentle presence. Even now my gratitude for that is deep.