Content categorized as News

This bill would increase pay for more than 4,000 professionals who assist people with disabilities

The Direct Support Professional Payment Rate Act of 2019 is under review by D.C. Council. The legislation would increase wages for direct support professionals, a workforce that has seen high turnover due to pay in recent years.

Racial equity and homelessness

A panel of experts at the National Alliance to End Homelessness Conference discussed strategies to approach racial disparities in the workplace and its intersection with homelessness.

Human Rights Alliance to review the possibility of human rights in America

A workshop held at the National Alliance to End Homelessness Conference identified the importance of housing as a human and American right across all 50 states.

Housing authorities nationwide are creating innovative approaches to end homelessness

Housing authorities discussed flaws in the current policies and created new ways to end the housing crisis at the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

After a $5 million pledge from Exelon, the 11th Street Bridge Park needs less than $28 million to reach its goals 

The 11th Street Bridge Project, just 28 million dollars short of its goal, seeks to create D.C.’s first elevated public space and help the communities of Ward 8.

“We’re all we got:” Former and current Hope Village residents fear the future of re-entry in DC

Regardless of the years of reports showing poor conditions and minimal resources, the value of Hope Village remains debated as federally incarcerated DC residents across the country fear losing their one connection to home.

Marijuana is legal, but returning citizens from the criminal justice system are still facing consequences for using it

The fissure between DC marijuana law and workplace drug testing policies adds a new barrier for returning citizens from the criminal justice system.

Panel discussion highlights the need for cultural and historic preservation of Black District communities

The nonprofit Empower D.C. hosted a panel discussion spotlighting the importance of cultural preservation and community resistance to the intense gentrification in the District.

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.

How cool indifference magnifies the summer heat

The summer can be an especially difficult time for homeless residents living in the District. Rising temperatures pose some unique challenges for people living without shelter. Here are some things readers can do to help relieve the heat.

What does affordable housing have to do with climate change?

A panel hosted by GGWash and Metro DC DSA discussed the role of housing in decarbonization, and why it’s not on the agenda in the Green New Deal.

Activists call for a strong focus on racial equity in DC’s comprehensive plan

Empower DC held a meeting regarding DC’s comprehensive plan. With the final vote on the Framework Element coming in September, the group urged the DC Council to use the plan to fight racialized gentrification.

Vigil held for presumably homeless men struck by an SUV

Two men were struck and killed on July 10 in James Monroe Park when an SUV barreled off of Pennsylvania Avenue and into the park bench where they had been sitting.

Health care professionals urge DC to build a “full-service” hospital east of the Anacostia River

The D.C. Health Justice Coalition hosted a community discussion on July 11 to develop their arguments for equitable health care throughout the District.

DC residents discuss the information gap caused by inconsistent and discriminatory marijuana policy

The District’s inconsistent marijuana laws target low-income residents and can have unanticipated consequences for employment.

Cheh re-introduces eviction bill hoping to seal case records and end discrimination

A new eviction policy bill aimed at promoting a second chance for tenants with eviction records could decrease mass eviction filings by mandating a 30-day notice from landlords.

When an encampment is a single person and their stuff

This is a story about how a person almost came to lose almost everything that he owned. What the word “encampment” means for people experiencing homelessness in D.C.

Hospice for people experiencing homelessness says farewell to executive director of 21 years

After nearly 30 years of service at Joseph’s House, Patty Wudel, the nonprofit’s outgoing executive director, leaves behind a legacy of community building and compassion.

Grosso makes a second bid to expand anti-discrimination protections to people experiencing homelessness

Though the Michael A. Stoops Anti-Discrimination Amendment Act did not gain traction in 2017, it was reintroduced to DC Council earlier this year.

Re-framing the District’s shelter meals debate

The District’s shelter meal debate has revolved around the issue of food service contracts. This is a story about the people who eat the food.