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Tenants at Marbury Plaza renew a decade-old rent strike as COVID-19 exacerbates a history of neglect

On Oct. 31, 2020, Barbara Cooper left her apartment at Marbury Plaza in Southeast D.C. to attend a “cancel the rent” protest across town at… Read more »

Tax assistance available for low-income people facing challenges collecting credits and stimulus checks

Low-income filers will be able to claim missed stimulus funds in addition to typical credits in their 2021 tax forms. Despite COVID-related difficulties, free tax preparation services and legal assistance are available to help people with less than $57,000 in yearly income.

Report highlights bias-motivated violence towards people experiencing homelessness

A report by an advocacy group studied bias-motivated crimes against people experiencing homelessness and what can be done to reduce these acts of violence.

Mutual aid groups try to fill the gaps after Inauguration week Airbnb cancellations

The D.C. Department of Human Services is matching people experiencing homelessness to donated Airbnbs, or outright paying for hotel rooms, to help them stay safe during the week of Inauguration.

Bezos charity makes major donation in and around DC, grows philanthropic presence in region

The Bezos Day One Families Fund made $2.5 million donations to four D.C-area nonprofits in a major step for Amazon-related charity work in the region.

Coronavirus exposes “people that we missed” amid homelessness crisis

Local D.C. advocacy group People for Fairness Coalition called for a greater investment in ending homelessness during 2020’s Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day.

Solar Works DC program creates jobs and can reduce expenses for low-income households

Solar Works D.C., through the DDOE, employs low-income residents in a solar installation and job training program. Panels are installed across the District, and low-income residents can request installations for free.

The at-large candidates who want to change or enhance DC’s rapid rehousing program

Candidates for the D.C. Council’s At-large seats have made reform or improvement of the District’s rapid rehousing program, which has often been the target of attack from housing advocates, part of their campaign platforms.

Homeless service providers receive millions in PPP loans

At least 14 homeless service providers received loans from the federal program for small businesses, which went towards covering payroll costs to retain employees and maintain critical services for the District’s most vulnerable residents.

What can happen when the police are asked to respond to a mental health crisis in DC?

After an initial arrest that resulted in a stay-away order regarding the White House grounds and Black Lives Matte Plaza, a reportedly homeless man in need of mental health care now faces compounded charges. DC’s proposed FY 2021 budget includes no major expansions of behavioral health support for people in the criminal justice system.

DC Council increases funding for affordable housing and homeless services, but advocates warn budget still falls short

The amended budget, which increases funding for building new affordable housing units, providing tenants with rental relief and extending social services, faces a final vote by the Council on July 21, after which it will be submitted to the Mayor.

Bowser’s budget cuts funding for affordable housing. Advocates say DC’s Black residents will be left behind

The new proposed budget would not do enough to alter chronic homelessness and would disportionately hurt communities of color, housing providers said. They urged D.C. to restore funding by looking at other areas of the budget and increasing taxes on the wealthy.

The global pandemic and political discord highlight the importance of the Poor People’s Campaign

The Mass Poor People’s Assembly and Moral March on Washington planned for this month will be digital, due to the ongoing pandemic. Organizers hope the assembly will bring about change while COVID-19 disproportionately affects poor and Black Americans and nationwide protests demand reckoning with systemic racism.

No significant funding added to Emergency Rental Assistance Program despite ongoing effects of COVID-19

Proposed funding for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program in fiscal year 2021 has decreased by $15,000 compared to what was approved this year.

Advocates highlight major gaps in proposed budget for affordable housing and reducing homelessness

The Way Home campaign and the Fair Budget Coalition are calling on the D.C. Council to allocate an additional $66 million to build more permanent supportive housing and fund critical homelessness prevention programs.

Poor People’s Campaign organizers call on DC to turn out for Moral March on Washington

Residents of the DC metro area tend to disproportionately stay home during national marches in the District. Local organizers for the Poor People’s Campaign say it’s imperative not to sit this one out.

Poor people stand up: National campaign to build community and spark change stops in DC

At a Jan. 29 meeting, the Poor People’s Campaign prepared for a large-scale rally and march on Washington scheduled for June 2020.

Franklin Square Park will close for renovations this fall

Street Sense Media artist and vendor Reginald Black writes about a D.C. park closing.

Finding gainful employment remains a large hurdle for homeless DC residents. A new Georgetown cafe aims to help overcome it.

Spero Ministries, a new initiative through Veritas City Church, will provide D.C. residents with job training and temporary employment.

Problems with DC’s rapid rehousing program remain after years of concerted reform efforts

Despite years of reform efforts, DHS is still working to fix the many issues with rapid rehousing.