 The agency generally leased former homes, office buildings, or warehouses for use, renovating them as needed, but the city recognized that such efforts were only temporary and that a custom-built structure, with good security as well as treatment facilities, was needed for children assigned temporarily to the Receiving Home.After extensive debate among city officials and members of Congress, the D.C.Receiving Home for Children was opened in January 1949 at 1000 Mt.