Content categorized as Public Housing

HUD awards local public housing authority almost $924,000 to provide housing for DC residents with disabilities

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded Community Connections almost $924,000 for permanent supportive housing.

Housing Authority and former Barry Farm tenants receive second chance to resolve historic preservation debate

The challenging balance to designate parts of Barry Farm and to provide affordable housing compelled the Historic Preservation Review Board to defer until Dec. 5th

Barry Farm historic landmark application put on hold

The Historic Preservation Office challenged the District of Columbia Housing Authority to conclude discussion with the Barry Farm Tenants and Allies Association before Oct. 31.

Setting new standards for homeless families

There is a new housing complex situated just on the border between D.C. and Maryland at 4300 12th Street SE. It has 3 floors of single-family units, a public computer lab, free tenant WiFi, and a communal lounge, brightly colored and spacious. It is all brand new, with friendly staff and modern furniture. The most distinguishing feature of this new complex? Residents can live here rent-free.

Co-op Housing is an option to overcome substandard housing, experts say

On Aug. 13, Empower DC hosted a public forum at the “Action Hub” for D.C. residents to learn more about how co-operative housing could be a viable alternative to the current public housing crisis in D.C. Panelists included Amanda Huron of University of the District of Columbia, Johanna Bockman of George Mason University, and Empower DC co-founder Linda Leaks.

Barry Farm tenants await a final decision after 20 people testified before the Historic Preservation Review Board two months ago

On July 25, Community members from across the District filled the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB)’s courtroom, many wearing stickers that read, “Yes! Barry Farm… Read more »

What does affordable housing have to do with climate change?

A panel hosted by GGWash and Metro DC DSA discussed the role of housing in decarbonization, and why it’s not on the agenda in the Green New Deal.

Conflict over funding for public housing repairs steers DC budget toward an impasse

The D.C. Chief Financial Officer pushes back on D.C. Council’s plan for $24.5 million of Events D.C. reserve funds to be directed toward public housing repairs, threatening to block the FY2020 budget confirmation.

DC Council restores some funds to UMC and housing preservation

On May 28, the FY2020 Budget Support Act passed its second and final vote in the D.C. Council. Funds were added for the District’s only public hospital, the mayor’s Housing Preservation Fund, much-needed public housing repairs, and more.

Mayor asks how to add 12,000 affordable housing units throughout DC by 2025

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser solicits community input though multiple summer meetings for the plan to build 12,000 new affordable housing units in DC by 2025.

Barry Farm residents seek historic status to preserve community and character

A group of displaced public housing residents have nominated their community for landmark status to preserve and honor its long history as it undergoes controversial redevelopment.

801 East Shelter redevelopment to begin May 2019

The long-awaited 801 East Single Men’s Shelter redevelopment is starting construction next month.

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.

Council considers increased oversight for housing authority and housing production trust fund

One proposal would move the DC housing authority under the purview of the mayor’s office, while another calls for new requirements for DCHA board members.

Days before Christmas, activists pressure DC councilmembers to protect their most vulnerable constituents

Approximately 15 representatives from the People For Fairness Coalition canvassed the Wilson Building on Dec. 21, seeking more funding and stronger legal protections to address… Read more »

Fire at senior housing complex displaces 160 residents

A fire at the Arthur Capper Senior Public Housing Complex displaces 160 residents and leaves one senior trapped in the building for five days.

The non-solution solutions to end homelessness

The Western Regional Advocacy Project discusses common “solutions” to poverty that, while having the best of intentions, do not stop the epidemic of homelessness and waste millions of dollars.

Activists rally to stop demolition at Barry Farm

Residents of the Barry Farm housing development held a rally on Aug. 18 to halt demolition and to demand a seat at the table to discuss the redevelopment plan for the area.

Barry Farm residents fear displacement as housing authority reconfigures plans for decade-old redevelopment

A handful of residents of Barry Farm, a public housing complex in Anacostia, breathed a sigh of relief earlier this year when plans to demolish and redevelop the neighborhood were sent back for revision.

Public Housing tenants will now have the opportunity to report monthly rent payments to credit agencies

The bill establishes a program where tenants choose to report their rent as a means to establish a better credit score. It has yet to receive funding.