Content categorized as News

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.

McPherson Square cleared ahead of Trump rally

McPherson Square, a federal park with a large population of people experiencing homelessness, was cleared ahead of the riot and insurrection in the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.

PEP-V hovers around full capacity without enough housing options for vulnerable people

All three PEP-V sites have been at or near capacity for the past 5 weeks, stressing workers and residents who have to wait weeks to get their problems resolved.

Martha’s Table distributes food to people experiencing homelessness every day — Christmas was no exception

Martha’s Table has given out food to people experiencing homelessness every day. A Street Sense reporter rode along on Christmas and reported their distribution.

Homeless people in quarantine face poor conditions, rudeness, and transphobia

Shelter residents are sent to DHS’s isolation sites when exposed to COVID-19. But some report mistreatment and transphobia by staff and security guards.

D.C. Superior Court rules eviction protections unconstitutional

The D.C. Superior Court ruled legislation that gives protections to tenants facing eviction is unconstitutional, violating property owners rights.

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.

Annual vigil goes virtual to remember people who died without a home in DC this year

The People for Fairness Coalition kicked off its eighth overnight vigil and advocacy initiatives surrounding National Homeless Persons Memorial Day. At least 73 people died homeless in the District in 2020, the organizers say.

Advocates say new “Bridge Fund” shows DC can find money for businesses but not for poor people

After Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a $100 million grant fund for businesses struggling due to COVID-19, community organizations asked for the funding to be used to encourage those businesses to help their community.

Uptick in COVID-19 also reaches D.C. shelters

Thirteen people living in D.C. shelters have tested positive for COVID-19 cases since Nov. 18 according to data from the Department of Human Services, ending… Read more »

DC is cutting funding for homeless services as COVID cases surge

Local nonprofits say the cuts will make it harder for them to serve homeless youth amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Anti-discrimination law to protect people experiencing homelessness dies in Council, again

The Michael A. Stoops Anti-Discrimination Amendment Act, which would make homelessness a protected class, stalled out for the second time in the D.C. Council.

DC’s COVID-19 vaccination plan prioritizes the homeless community

COVID-19 vaccine distribution has begun and Washington, D.C. has prioritized people experiencing homelessness in the next phase of its plan.

Eviction moratorium to extend as COVID-19 and unemployment worsens homelessness

D.C. Council gives the Mayor authority to extend the state of emergency, thus extend the eviction moratorium. But COVID-19 and unemployment remain issues.

The Black & Indigenous Transgender Safehaus shows the need for inclusive housing programs

Casa BITS provides short-term housing and community for Black, Indigenous, People of Color trangender and intersex D.C. residents.

DC to provide one-time check to residents on COVID-19 unemployment programs

DC will provide a one-time payment of $1,200 to nearly 20,000 residents whose unemployment benefits are set to expire after Christmas.

500 DC families received $1,100 a week. Here’s how it helped them.

THRIVE, a partnership between four local nonprofits, launched a basic income program in Ward 8. Participants report that the extra money has made an unimaginable difference in their financial situation.

DMHHS conducts encampment cleanups during COVID-19 surge, advocates help residents move their belongings

DC government conducted a cleanup at the encampments along L and M St. NE on Dec. 8. Advocates helped residents move their belongings and collect trash.

DC uses remaining CARES Act funds to help some landlords cancel back rent

Qualifying landlords will receive direct rent relief if they are willing to forgive a portion of tenants’ delinquent rent. Applications are due by Dec. 11.