The Emergency Response and Shelter Operations Committee of the Interagency Council on Homelessness revealed there had been an error in the number reported of unhoused individuals whose main cause of death was hypothermia in 2021.
Content categorized as Civil Rights

DC misreports number of hypothermia-caused deaths

DC might create a Juneteenth Commission. Here’s what it will look like
A bill before the D.C. Council would create a Juneteenth Commission, coordinating celebrations for next year.

Poor People’s Campaign continues calls for White House meeting
This is the third time the group has called for a meeting with Biden.

Tossed in the trash: Residents at Union Station stripped of their belongings
The National Park Service cleared the 35-resident Union Station encampment on June 1, throwing away belongings and involuntarily committing one resident.

Hundreds of young people in DC do not have a place to live. Here’s how one nonprofit is trying to raise awareness.
About 40 people gathered in downtown D.C. on May 19 to take part in an overnight event to raise awareness of the growing plight of young people experiencing homelessness.

Earth Day doesn’t have to be a guilt-trip: Here are some things you can do this weekend
On Friday, April 22, organizations all around D.C. will celebrate Earth Day.

Residents elect Kenneth Council and Denise Blackson to DCHA board
Public housing residents elected Kenneth Council and Denise Blackson to the DCHA oversight board.

Despite rule change, DCHA is not allowing identity self-certification
After passing a resolution to allow people applying for vouchers to self-certify their identity, DCHA released regulatory guidance that banned that practice.

What kind of support do youth experiencing homelessness need to find stable employment?
Workforce development programs in D.C. aren’t helping youth experiencing homelessness, causing many youth to turn away from the programs.

What role should police have in protecting people living in encampments?
Due to concerns for their immediate safety, some encampment residents have expressed a desire for greater police presence around encampments. However, homeless rights advocates advise that the police force is fundamentally unsuited for meeting the safety, resource and housing access needs of unsheltered residents.
Backwards revolving door
Chris Cole writes a poem titled “Backwards revolving door.”

How the House of Ruth helps women, children and families
Artist/Vendor Jackie Turner interviews Sandra Jackson, president and CEO of the House of Ruth.
Let’s be civil
Jemel Fleming comments on violence during the past year
Raise your bar high in 2022
Michele Rochon writes an inspiring piece in honor of Women’s History Month.
What I noticed
Frederic John shares his thoughts about something he had seen.
Untitled
Daniel Ball reflects on the difference between the words ‘defend’ and ‘freedom.’
We love you all
Kym Parker writes a poem about acceptance and God’s love.
Two characters: a fiction story
Daniel Ball writes a fictional short story that reflects part of his world.
Human or animal?
Donté Turner shares a personal story about the way his community is being oppressed and disregarded.
Martin Luther King Day
Carlos D. Carolina writes about his experience at the Martin Luther King Jr. “Peace Walk” and how moving and empowering it was.