Content categorized as News

Dozens of District residents testify about poor housing conditions at Council oversight hearing

Residents and advocacy groups brought attention to a lack of affordable housing options and delays in repairs to public housing at a DC Council hearing.

After years of questionable housing and facing homelessness, this woman will keep surviving

IjahQueen Is Peniel is losing her housing voucher following three years of poor living conditions and struggling to pay rent. She believes a paperwork error led her to fall behind on her rent and not have her lease renewed. Now she must try and find new housing without the subsidy from the state.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade

Photos and coverage from the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on April 13th, 2019.

In progress report, ICH looks at successes and shortcomings of plan to end homelessness

ICH meets to discuss the progress made by Homeward D.C. and the shortcomings to be addressed in Homeward D.C. 2.0.

Notification service HopeOneSource expanded greatly after start as an Interagency Council on Homeless pilot program

The notification service is run entirely by volunteers.

DowntownDC BID meets with homeless representatives to discuss Franklin Park closure

DowntownDC BID and community representatives met to discuss the impacts of Franklin Park’s closure, and how to meet the needs of the general public as well as the homeless.

Their landlord is trying to push them out — residents respond with a rent strike

The landlord declined to comment on the matter.

Street cleanup leads to complaints from homeless residents

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

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.