D.C. Council committees proposed small increases to housing programs and social services during the markup process, but did not meet housing advocates’ demands.
Content categorized as Youth

Budget mark-ups feature small wins for housing advocates

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.

Serve Your City is fundraising to send Ward 6 kids to summer camp
Serve Your City-Ward 6 Mutual Aid, a D.C.-based nonprofit, is raising money to send children in Ward 6 to summer camp. The group plans to… Read more »

Howard University #BlackburnTakeover occupation is about more than just housing
Students, alumni and faculty are calling for the university to cancel its housing contract with Corvias, but the student occupation of Blackburn University Center is about more than housing conditions.

As classes start, air conditioning and filters fail in DC public schools
Schools in all wards were without proper ventilation systems. Parents took matters into their own hands, providing different services to alleviate worries about spreading COVID-19.

Local teen’s message on poverty: Believe in yourself but don’t leave others behind
Local Templeton Academy sophomore Miguel Coppedge started a fundraiser last year to benefit children in foster care and families experiencing homelessness. His charity donations are destined for St. Ann’s Center for Youth, Children and Families, the place where he was adopted at age 2.

Millions in funding set to flood digital inclusion projects, but advocates say the specific spending is not data-driven
The mayor’s budget includes a major influx in digital inclusion funds after the pandemic worsened digital inequity.

Playtime Project expands to bring fun and support to homeless families in Prince George’s County
The Playtime Program, a D.C.-based nonprofit, is expanding its partnership with shelters to bring programming for children experiencing homelessness to families in Maryland.

Local nonprofit opens transitional housing to meet growing demand among LGBTQ youth
SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders) recently opened its third facility to help meet the transitional housing needs of local LGTBQ youth.

Changing people’s lives one bird at a time: Rodney Stotts uses falconry to reach youth
Rodney Stotts, a falconer in the DMV, uses his birds to educate young people beyond the classroom – which the education system desperately needs during the COVID-19 pandemic as children struggle with mental health.

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

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.

The coming storm
L. Morrow on the promise of young activists in politics.

Expanding child care can help Black women overcome disparities in domestic violence
Sandra Jackson from the House of Ruth on the importance of childcare for Black women.

At SMYAL’s Youth House, LGBTQ+ youth are provided with housing and affirmation
SMYAL provides economic and housing support during the pandemic through a housing program for LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness.

This is how I became me, Peaches
In this heartwrenching personal essay, a native Washingtonian recounts the many struggles she overcame when young to finally want to be alive.

Child Support
Dudley shares his frustrations with the “system” through poetry.

COVID-19 and crowded spaces: the not-so-easy start of virtual learning for homeless students
Teachers and local organizations are pushing for more support for homeless students so that they can successfully stay on track while taking classes.

The greatest SIN in our community
Artist and vendor Pierre Johnson points out flaws in the education system and how detrimental this can be for students.

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.