The PEP-V program was created as an alternative to shelters for people at high risk of getting severely sick from COVID-19. Some residents who rely on it do not believe the program is running sufficiently. Still, many are improving their lives, getting matched to housing, and focusing on getting themselves off the streets. Due to President Biden’s extension on FEMA, the program will continue operating through hypothermia season.
Content categorized as COVID-19
DC’s PEP-V hotels planned to extend through hypothermia season
DC’s pandemic housing assistance program stops accepting applications this week
Applications for rent and utility assistance close this Wednesday but many Washingtonians are fighting to keep the program open, saying evictions and contributing to homelessness is not humanitarian.
DC programs connect job seekers and employers during national hiring struggles
Employers nationwide in service and low-skilled industries have struggled to find willing workers for many reasons, including remaining fear of COVID-19. Job seekers have struggled to keep up with skill requirements and balance family care needs. Local D.C. programs are working hard to bridge the gap between the two by placing applicants into reliable jobs.
DC is moving some encampment residents into housing. What about those not “on the list?”
D.C. officials are moving some residents into housing from three large encampments, but others may be kicked out. Where will they go?
The dangers of blind faith in authority
Artist and vendor Jeffrey McNeil expresses his opinion about how the CDC and Biden administration is handling the pandemic, vaccination, and new masking guidelines.
‘Crystal Clear’: STAY DC rental assistance offers residents a limited-time opportunity for a financial fresh start
Street Sense Deputy Editor Gordon Chaffin shares his experience with the STAY DC emergency rent assistance program. He argues that D.C.’s program is failing by standing up too many hurdles for applicants to jump and shares quotes from local government officials who don’t seem to be following federal guidance for quick tenant help. Gordon asks everyone in D.C. struggling to pay back rent and utilities to apply at stay.dc.gov.
City program employs homeless people to help promote vaccinations in shelters and on the streets
Amidst staggering vaccination, peer educators are informing people experiencing homelessness about COVID-19 and encouraging vaccinations in their communities.
PEP-V is scheduled to conclude next month, but advocates are fighting to make the program permanent
The Pandemic Emergency Protection for Medically Vulnerable Individuals program is ending on Sept. 30, despite calls from community advocates and over 400 remaining residents in need of housing.
Hope
Artist and vendor Mary Sellman talks about her gratefulness as people return back to work after having to stay at home due to Covid-19.
DC evictions still temporarily paused while federal moratorium remains uncertain
The CDC’s moratorium lapsed at the end of July, and any chances of renewal are still in flux. Regardless, local provisions still give D.C. renters some time.
Despite including additional money for housing vouchers, today’s FY22 budget vote may leave 500 rapid rehousing recipients facing termination
During the pandemic, families living in rapid rehousing have not been required to move out once their time in the program ends. Now, with the publicly declared health exemption coming to an end, many program participants are growing concerned about finding a new place to live. Here’s how the D.C. Council’s latest budget might help them.
Federal rental assistance for whom?
Artist/Vendor Donté Turner questions whether the District is using its resources fairly and equitably.
It’s still for real
Artist/Vendor Queenie Featherstone pens a poem warning that the dangers of COVID-19 still exist.
Reopening
Artist/Vendor Aida Peery provides writes thoughts on DC’s reopening from COVID-19 closures.
With the public health emergency ending, what does that mean for evictions?
Evictions will start soon in D.C. But all is not lost. Tenants have a range of protections and resources available to help them navigate this process.
Summer on the streets
Artist/Vendor Carlton Johnson writes about the hot, sunny DC summer days.
Maskese
Artist/Vendor James Davis writes a poem on facemasks.
D.C. Council risks homelessness emergency if it doesn’t support those who suffered during the public health emergency
Amber W. Harding, an attorney for the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless, shares opinions on what DC must do to confront upcoming housing crises as COVID programs expire.
DC neighborhood commissions can continue meeting virtually
Advisory Neighborhood Commissions in the District can continue meeting virtually through January of next year, thanks to D.C. Council action last week. The hyper-local elected bodies have stayed active, helping District communities through the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to video conference tools and mobile apps.
Dear Street Sense Media…
Artist/Vendor Warren Stevens encourages readers to continue to stay safe from COVID-19 as summer arrives.
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