Content categorized as COVID-19

DC tells medically vulnerable people sheltering in hotels that permanent supportive housing vouchers have run out

DHS is holding town halls at its PEP-V sites to tell residents that PSH vouchers have run out, so most will need to find another plan for where to go before PEP-V closes in September.

DHS expands PEP-V hotels but caps waitlist for medically vulnerable people

Following officials’ and advocates’ calls to expand the FEMA-funded hotels to protect people experiencing homelessness from COVID-19, DHS announced on April 2 that the District will open a fourth PEP-V site that will accommodate an additional 200 residents.

Community organizations face difficulties providing vulnerable children with wellness support

Community organizations are trying to help children and families in need but have limited resources

Transportation during COVID-19

Artist and Vendor Rita Sauls writes about the challenges of transportation during the pandemic

People experiencing homelessness can claim their third stimulus check (and recover the first two) by filing their 2020 taxes

Local tax assistance is available to people with low-to-no-income or without a permanent address seeking to recover stimulus checks and to access other credits.

Still here, still strong

Artist and Vendor Joseph Jackson writes about his experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Councilmember considers buying hotels to support PEP-V shelter and convert them to housing

Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne Nadeau recently recommended DC government buy hotels to continue providing rooms for people experiencing homelessness who are especially vulnerable to COVID-19, and to turn them into more housing. The new federal pandemic-relief bill includes funds that can be used for just that.

With a return to limited in-person learning, some DC families see hope while others remain wary

A month into DCPS reopening schools for in-person learning, low-income parents remain conflicted. Homeless families are experiencing worse circumstances so they are a priority group for students returning.

Masku

Masks up!

DC Housing Authority begins COVID-19 vaccine rollout while nonprofit low-income senior living is left behind

D.C. Health partnered with the D.C. Housing Authority to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to seniors in public housing at the beginning of February. Private housing centers for low-income seniors have been left out of both the federal and local vaccine rollouts.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead nowadays is harder than looking back. It used to be that when you’re looking forward you can look back on what you’ve been through and how you got through what you’ve been through to get to where you are. 

Improving D.C.’s mental health services

In the midst of COVID-19, DC must work to improve their accessibility to essential mental health services for the homeless community

6 DC residents died without a home this month

Two people died due to complications from COVID-19, two were killed, and two died in the cold.

Career counseling and after school programs: What’s the connection?

Fletcher opines a piece on the effects COVID-19 has on at-risk students entering the job force, and the importance of career counselors in their trajectory.

Protesters call for Biden’s domestic policy chief to cancel rent

Tenants from D.C., Maryland, and Virginia marched to the home of White House domestic policy chief Susan Rice on Jan. 23 and called on the Biden administration to include rent cancelation in the latest COVID-19 relief package proposal

DC task force recommends major investments in affordable housing to prevent crime

The District Task Force on Jails and Justice made 80 recommendations to the Mayor to invest in more affordable housing, to help communities and prevent crime.

Vaccine rollout begins in DC shelters and PEP-V centers

The D.C. Department of Human Services and Unity Health Care began administering vaccines starting this month in low-barrier shelters and Pandemic Emergency Program for Medically Vulnerable Individuals centers.

Despite 100% FEMA reimbursement, DC says they do not plan to expand the PEP-V program

With 555 people waiting to be placed into the PEP-V program, DHS has no plans for expansion, despite 100% FEMA reimbursement

DC indoor regulations limit hot meal and warm space availability

Food services that used to provide hot meals are finding it increasily difficult and many have stopped that service. Due to COVID-19, restroom availability is limited for homeless individuals.

The 2021 Point-in-Time Count will reveal the impacts that COVID-19 has had on DC’s homeless community

The 2021 PIT count occurred on Jan. 27 in D.C., with reshaped procedures and new COVID-related challenges to face.