Content categorized as News

District Government Responds to First Heat Emergency of 2017

In the first Heat Emergency of 2017, the D.C. government is better equipped to help the homeless population beat the heat than it was last year, but many experiencing homelessness are still unaware of the resources or unable to utilize them.

D.C. Evicts Tent Community Under NoMa Metro Bridge

D.C. government evicted an encampment under the 2nd Street bridge in northwest Washington on June 20. This cleanup was followed by a second, informal eviction at a new encampment made up of many of the recently displaced tenants.

Advocates Dissatisfied with Proposed Amendment to Govern Homeless Community

Advocates and representatives of the homeless population testified at a Committee on Human Services hearing and said that Bowser’s amendment could prevent certain people from receiving housing and shelter.

Senator Al Franken on Ending Homelessness

Senator Al Franken sat down with Street Sense vendor Ken Martin to discuss homelessness, gentrification and Bill Maher.

Council Cuts $2 Million From Already Underfunded Emergency Rental Assistance

The approved budget for fiscal year 2018 will decrease funding for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program by 21 percent from last year. Although ERAP has been difficult to navigate, many say it is crucial for low-income housing.

Diversion program keeps kids out of prison and off the streets

Since its creation in mid-2014, the Alternative to the Court Experience diversion program has provided necessary resources to hundreds of young people while protecting them from the juvenile justice system, which experts say often fails to rehabilitate youth.

Michael Stoops, tireless warrior to end homelessness, has died

It was the longest night of the year. Michael Stoops had intended it that way. On Dec. 21 of 2016, Stoops attended the 26th Homeless… Read more »

Council Considers Converting Office Space to Affordable Housing

11 percent of office building space is currently vacant, and if passed, the Office to Affordable Housing Task Force Establishment Act would aim to convert some of the space into low-income housing.

Ward 8 Residents Outraged by Low Funding for Housing and NEAR Act in $13.8 Billion Budget

D.C. Council unanimously passed an $13.8 billion budget for fiscal year 2018 Tuesday, but Ward 8 residents said they are unsatisfied with the lack of funding for programs like rapid rehousing and the NEAR Act.

“Father’s Day:” Pookanu provides a peek into his world on a brand new album

On his new album, after years of work, Street Sense vendor Ron Dudley details his experiences with homelessness, loss and faith.

Obituary: Larry Michaels, as he arrived

Part of an ongoing initiative to write obituaries for the homeless death. The point is to remember as they came not as they went.

The Myth of ‘Stolen’ Jobs

The jobs immigrants have are undocumented and they are paid below minimum wage.

14 Students Graduate New Workforce Readiness Program

New Workforce Readiness Program helping to find solutions for family homelessness and home insecurity.

ADAPT Demands Recognition

Adapt. a disability rights organization, gathered at the White House to advocate for the Disability Integration Act and to demand recognition from the Trump Administration.

New Plan for D.C Homeless Youth

D.C. officials released the first-ever plan to decrease youth homelessness on May 22. The plan includes prevention and outreach efforts, increasing housing options and providing youth with mentors. The plan will provide shelter and a support systems for indivduals up to 24-years-old.

Council Budget Tweaks to House Homeless People Not Enough to Curb Housing Crisis

On May 30, the D.C. Council approved a $13.8 billion budget for fiscal year 2018. On June 13, a legislative meeting will be held to discuss, potentially amend and enact the now-engrossed bill.

Wards 7 and 8 to City: Focus on ‘Crisis’ in Affordable Housing

Empower D.C. put on a number of meetings and workshops to discuss the use of land and development. These meetings also revealed that D.C. has a large income disparity. A better definition of “affordable housing” was called for.

Culture, Classism and Cash Shape America’s Oral Health

Mary Otto’s new book, “Teeth,” explains why the oral health care system in America is in need of desperate repair.

New Laws to Govern Homeless Community

Mayor Muriel Bowser has submitted a 29-page amendment to the 2005 Homeless Services Reform Act, which governs rights and responsibilities of homeless clients receiving city services as well as the organizations and agencies that provide those services. The first city council hearing is scheduled for June 14.

Affordable Housing Customers Pack Council Chambers

Mark Rose talks about the struggles of finding Affordable Housing