Content categorized as News

DC tells medically vulnerable people sheltering in hotels that permanent supportive housing vouchers have run out

DHS is holding town halls at its PEP-V sites to tell residents that PSH vouchers have run out, so most will need to find another plan for where to go before PEP-V closes in September.

Obituary: William Maggi of Washington, DC, dies at 58

William ‘Bill’ Maggi was a force of personality in Dupont Circle for decades. His death is still a mystery, and his daughters mourn his loss.

DHS expands PEP-V hotels but caps waitlist for medically vulnerable people

Following officials’ and advocates’ calls to expand the FEMA-funded hotels to protect people experiencing homelessness from COVID-19, DHS announced on April 2 that the District will open a fourth PEP-V site that will accommodate an additional 200 residents.

Residents urge D.C. Health to expand resources for people experiencing homelessness

Advocates, government officials and health professionals gathered virtually for the D.C. Department of Health performance oversight hearings for the 2020 and 2021 fiscal year on March 4 and 19. Several requests were made to better support those experiencing homelessness and poverty.

Federal government attempt to dispossess CCNV from their property: The shelter’s lawsuit parallels to the past

On Jan. 3, 2021, CCNV filed a lawsuit against the HHS and GSA over the rights to the shelter, paralleling back to past conflicts with the federal government

DC Attorney General sues health care agency for defrauding Medicaid

Attorney General Karl A. Racine is suing a home health care provider, Vizion One, for defrauding D.C.’s Medicaid program of more than $3 million from 2012 to 2014.

Community organizations face difficulties providing vulnerable children with wellness support

Community organizations are trying to help children and families in need but have limited resources

SMYAL expands services for LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness

SMYAL, known as Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders, is launching a third Extended Transitional Housing program this spring for LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness that will provide residents with up to six years of mental health support, shelter and employment assistance.

People experiencing homelessness can claim their third stimulus check (and recover the first two) by filing their 2020 taxes

Local tax assistance is available to people with low-to-no-income or without a permanent address seeking to recover stimulus checks and to access other credits.

Councilmember considers buying hotels to support PEP-V shelter and convert them to housing

Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne Nadeau recently recommended DC government buy hotels to continue providing rooms for people experiencing homelessness who are especially vulnerable to COVID-19, and to turn them into more housing. The new federal pandemic-relief bill includes funds that can be used for just that.

With a return to limited in-person learning, some DC families see hope while others remain wary

A month into DCPS reopening schools for in-person learning, low-income parents remain conflicted. Homeless families are experiencing worse circumstances so they are a priority group for students returning.

Making room for construction in NoMa, DC government conducts its 18th encampment cleanup in 2021

Despite CDC warnings, on March 4, The Deputy Mayor on Health and Human Services conducted the 18th encampment cleanup in 2021 on 1st and H, cleaning up trash and displacing several individuals to pave the way for a construction project.

DC Housing Authority begins COVID-19 vaccine rollout while nonprofit low-income senior living is left behind

D.C. Health partnered with the D.C. Housing Authority to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to seniors in public housing at the beginning of February. Private housing centers for low-income seniors have been left out of both the federal and local vaccine rollouts.

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

The D.C. Tenants Union partnered with tenant leaders at Marbury Plaza in Southeast D.C. to organize a rent strike and push the landlord and city government for repairs and rental relief.

An amendment 4 years in the making, with massive implications for affordable housing in DC, to be voted on in March

For years, the latest update to D.C.’s Comprehensive Plan has sparked unprecedented public engagement and contention. It is slated to be decided in March.

6 DC residents died without a home this month

Two people died due to complications from COVID-19, two were killed, and two died in the cold.

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.

Protesters call for Biden’s domestic policy chief to cancel rent

Tenants from D.C., Maryland, and Virginia marched to the home of White House domestic policy chief Susan Rice on Jan. 23 and called on the Biden administration to include rent cancelation in the latest COVID-19 relief package proposal

DC task force recommends major investments in affordable housing to prevent crime

The District Task Force on Jails and Justice made 80 recommendations to the Mayor to invest in more affordable housing, to help communities and prevent crime.

Vaccine rollout begins in DC shelters and PEP-V centers

The D.C. Department of Human Services and Unity Health Care began administering vaccines starting this month in low-barrier shelters and Pandemic Emergency Program for Medically Vulnerable Individuals centers.