Content categorized as News

Patricia Handy Place for Women will close for renovations

The Patricia Handy Place for Women will close down for year-long renovations in November or December.

How is the District planning to improve rent control?

Tenant advocates and landlords testified about five proposed bills that would make changes to the current rent control law at a Sept. 24 public hearing hosted by the Committee on Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization.

A national group of mayors is pushing for a guaranteed income, but without leadership from DC

A national group of mayors is leading the way on efforts for guaranteed incomes at both a federal and national level, but in some ways D.C. lags behind.

Low-barrier shelter residents say staff abuse them amid ‘terrible’ conditions during COVID-19

More than 100 women experiencing homelessness were cast out of the Harriet Tubman Women’s Shelter during a Sept. 22 deep clean of the building. While out on the lawn, some told stories of verbal abuse from staff and guards. They say the rules and conditions are pushing them to their breaking point.

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.

Council acts to seal eviction records and tamp down on serial eviction filing

The D.C. Council passed emergency legislation last week that provides for eviction records to be sealed after 30 days when eviction is not granted, and after three years when a tenant is evicted. The legislation is part of a package to limit the long term impacts of eviction, which limits the use of prior evictions for landlords deciding whether to rent to tenants and calls for the fee to file an eviction with the court to be raised.

Of DC’s 24 at-large candidates, who has a specific plan to address homelessness?

A Street Sense Media analysis determined that only six of the 24 at-large DC Council candidates on the ballot advertised specific plans with measurable goals to address homelessness in their online platforms. We sent them five questions about local poverty.

Council paves way for reconsidering rent control

The D.C. Council voted on Sept. 22 to place a one-year moratorium on applications for certificates of assurance, a little-know provision from 1985. Reconsidering these certificates is the first step to increasing rent control.

For District residents who can’t make rent, aid is still available

Three rental assistance programs, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program the COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program and the DHCD Rental Assistance program still have funds available for tenants. With these funds, as well as further action, the District hopes to prevent an eviction surge post-pandemic.

Homeless disenfranchisement in the United States: State election barriers, analysis, and best practices

Two researchers studied common barriers homeless citizens experience while voting and uncovered best practices to overcome them.

An emerging battleground: Housing in the 2020 presidential election

Poverty issues have long been pushed to the periphery of presidential elections. But with the housing crisis on course to be the most severe in history, they are of vital importance to a record number of Americans.

Pathways DC is working to re-enfranchise voters experiencing homelessness

Pathways to Housing DC, an organization that helps house people experiencing homelessness, sets up tents at the Downtown DC Day Services Center to help them register to vote.

DC landlords can no longer provide eviction notices during the pandemic

Landlords cannot provide eviction notices to tenants until the current eviction moratorium expires, the D.C. Council decided Sept. 22.

Who’s helping low-income DC residents claim their stimulus payment before the November deadline?

People who do not usually file tax returns with the IRS have until Nov. 21 to request their Economic Impact payment, and until Sept. 30 to request their additional $500-per-child payments. The IRS, the D.C. government and local organizations are taking steps to make sure everyone who is eligible for this payment, better known as the stimulus check, gets it.

DC attorney general sues 7 discriminatory landlords and property managers

Karl Racine announced three lawsuits against seven landlords and property management companies for denying tenancy based on race, disabilities, and sources of income.

VA to fund 129 beds for homeless vets

The VA announced that it will fund 129 transitional housing beds for veterans who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of doing so in the District.

Stimulus payment requirements due November 21

People who do not usually submit a tax return can receive a stimulus payment through the IRS’ Non-Filers Tool, with deadlines on Sept. 30 and Oct.15.

What privatizing DC public housing looks like so far

Broad acceptance that public housing was a failed endeavor led to experiments in privatization locally. Here is how privatization has played out in DC.

Nonprofit explores what it will take to provide immediate housing for returning citizens

Nonprofit land developer Jubilee Housing has projects underway to provide affordable housing for returning citizens.

From parole to pride: DC agency empowers individuals vulnerable to crime

The Pathways program, managed by the Office of Neighborhood Engagement and Safety, allows those most vulnerable to committing or being a victim of crime to learn work skills and, ultimately, obtain a full time job. The ONSE staff aims to address any and all issues along the way, whether it be housing or mental health.