“I try to follow the rules, but you still want to f*** with me.”
Content categorized as News

Street cleanup leads to complaints from homeless residents

The mayor’s budget proposal contains $103 million in support for affordable housing production and preservation
The new workforce housing fund would receive $20 million this year to aid families making between $70,000 and $140,000 a year. The Housing Production Trust Fund was increased by $30 million to bring it to $130 million, and the Housing Preservation Fund is increased by 50 percent to $15 million. The proposed budget is undergoing review by the various committees of the Council.

How a Washington Post article and a public outpouring of support changed one homeless couple’s lives forever
Monica and Pete lived in tents on the streets of D.C. for two years, working and seeking assistance. In a matter of days, their GoFundMe that a law student established raised over $41,000 and they moved indoors.

Children’s book facilitates discussion about homelessness and how to help
In “I See You”, a young boy observes the hardships of a homeless woman who seems invisible to everyone else, and returns her visibility through an act of compassion.

Hollywood’s Emilio Estevez visits Cleveland Park Library for sneak peek at his new film about how librarians are helping the homeless community
The movie star said he wanted to give the film exposure to the audience he was trying to honor.

Residents in Ward 3 seek to understand homeless services
“We can be the government that ends homelessness,” said one councilmember.

Prior to implementing a decade-old law with new powers to preserve affordable housing, DC government is still finalizing a list of qualified developers
With regulations recently put in place, the city is making final preparations to use the District Opportunity to Purchase Act as a part of its larger strategy to preserve affordable housing. The city’s DOPA claims will be second only to tenants’ rights to purchase a property once the owner has decided to sell.
Capital Region Housing Challenge looks to raise $1 billion for affordable housing by 2020
The Capital Region Housing Challenge was announced by the Housing Leaders Group of Greater Washington March 20. The challenge aims to encourage $1 billion in commitments to fund affordable housing projects in the D.C. metro area.

At youth climate strike rally, U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar calls for a budget to end homelessness
Rep. Ilhan Omar called for a budget to end homelessness in front of the U.S. Capitol as part of her speech at the international student walk out to protest inaction on climate change.

Homeless advocates claim $35.5 million in FY2020 budget could end chronic homelessness in DC
Advocates from The Way Home Campaign demonstrated for an additional $35.5 million in the FY2020 budget just before Mayor Bowser announces her preliminary budget at the State of the District Event.

DC should double investment in affordable housing fund, think tank says
Mayor Muriel Bowser announces plan to fund more affordable housing units throughout the District.

A Ward 4 church made it possible to build 99 new units of affordable housing
City officials and church members gathered for a March 13 ribbon cutting at The Beacon Center, where all 99 of the new housing units have been set aside as affordable housing. A renovated Emory United Methodist Church sits at the center of the complex, which also houses community spaces and the church’s outreach programs.

The unsung heroes at Samaritan Ministry are fighting cold with kindness
Volunteers and staff members at Samaritan Ministry’s Northwest D.C. location provided clothing, meals and smiles.

More than 40 people signed up to testify on homelessness during a DC Council oversight hearing
More than 40 “public witnesses” signed up to testify during a DC Council performance oversight hearing on March 1. Many reported mistreatment.

Middle schoolers asked to develop cities that are resilient to climate change also addressed poverty
Middle school students from the U.S. and abroad came to Washington, D.C., as finalists in the Future City competition.

Navigating homeless services is complicated. A new downtown center makes many of them available in one place
A long-awaited downtown service center for D.C.’s homeless residents officially opened on Feb. 25 at the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church at 1313 New York Ave. NW. The grand opening comes after the mayor’s initial plan to open the center on Nov. 1.

Security company replaced immediately after a man was stabbed at 801 East Men’s shelter
The incident is under investigation with support from the Metropolitan Police Department.

Tweaks to Crummell School redevelopment plan trade 32 apartments for 0.16 acres of green space
Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffier answered questions from the community.

Longstanding local school is “homeless” and “on the Go-Go”
“I wish I had a school like that when I was growing up,” one parent said.

Council considers increased oversight for housing authority and housing production trust fund
One proposal would move the DC housing authority under the purview of the mayor’s office, while another calls for new requirements for DCHA board members.