Content categorized as DC Budget

Housing Production Trust Fund could receive $263M windfall

The Housing Production Trust Fund will be potentially receiving $263 million this year, despite issues of transparency and the fund’s inability to create affordable housing for those who need it most.

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.

An amendment 4 years in the making, with massive implications for affordable housing in DC, to be voted on in March

For years, the latest update to D.C.’s Comprehensive Plan has sparked unprecedented public engagement and contention. It is slated to be decided in March.

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

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.

December relief bill keeps DC afloat, but the District and its workers look towards a Biden stimulus package

Jobless D.C. residents can look to extended federal unemployment programs even as problems plague local benefits and Biden’s plan stalls in Congress.

Unjustifiable End

Laticia Brock calls on the city to do more to help those experiencing homelessness.

DC is cutting funding for homeless services as COVID cases surge

Local nonprofits say the cuts will make it harder for them to serve homeless youth amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Eviction moratorium to extend as COVID-19 and unemployment worsens homelessness

D.C. Council gives the Mayor authority to extend the state of emergency, thus extend the eviction moratorium. But COVID-19 and unemployment remain issues.

Council paves way for reconsidering rent control

The D.C. Council voted on Sept. 22 to place a one-year moratorium on applications for certificates of assurance, a little-know provision from 1985. Reconsidering these certificates is the first step to increasing rent control.

For District residents who can’t make rent, aid is still available

Three rental assistance programs, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program the COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program and the DHCD Rental Assistance program still have funds available for tenants. With these funds, as well as further action, the District hopes to prevent an eviction surge post-pandemic.

Montgomery County shows us how to develop more housing, faster, without overtaxing our schools

Jane Lyons offers insight on a housing policy implemented in Montgomery County.

The Handled

A piece by artist and vendor Laticia Brock.

How one local teacher works with big dreams and small contributions

Raymond Pyle, who teaches at Moten Elementary school, believes the key to a better education starts with a properly funded community. His classroom goals for students won’t be put into action without proper support.

A New Day of Hope

A piece by Carlton Johnson.

DC Council reauthorizes existing rent control, but advocates continue push for broader protections

The D.C. council renewed the District’s existing rent control law, but did not address other areas where advocates say additional protections are necessary.

What can happen when the police are asked to respond to a mental health crisis in DC?

After an initial arrest that resulted in a stay-away order regarding the White House grounds and Black Lives Matte Plaza, a reportedly homeless man in need of mental health care now faces compounded charges. DC’s proposed FY 2021 budget includes no major expansions of behavioral health support for people in the criminal justice system.

Limiting police power in schools is a win for some and a step back for others

n July 8, local anti-police groups got one step closer to their goal of police-free schools when the D.C. Council passed an amendment to change… Read more »

A Gazillionaire

Laticia Brock writes about her personal experiences with homelessness.

A just recovery

Father John Enzler and Rev. William H. Lamar IV discuss what measures should be taken to further support the homeless community through the city budget, especially during the pandemic.