The Little Free Library system is about to become more diverse in D.C. The Wisconsin-based nonprofit behind the book-sharing boxes plans to provide 5,000 books to 21 new locations spread throughout the city that highlight the experiences of people who are BIPOC and identify as LGBTQ+.
Content categorized as Columbia Heights

Little Free Library wants to diversify its books

Ward 1 councilmember rallies alongside tenants to call for rent control reforms and expansion
Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne Nadeau rallied alongside about 150 tenants and supporters at a Columbia Heights apartment building and vowed to pursue legislative initiatives to expand the city’s rent control law. The rally was organized by Reclaim Rent Control, a campaign supported by 45 local union and non-profits which aims to improve conditions in rent-controlled apartments.

Tenants on strike describe the financial, medical, and emotional toll of apartments in disrepair
Local tenants who have been withholding rent since December describe the myriad problems with their apartments, including mold, bedbugs, leaks and broken heaters.

Rent Strike: Facing eviction, tenants rally outside courthouse demanding repairs
After local tenants withheld their rent to demand repairs, their landlord sent them eviction notices. A rally was held the morning of their court date.

15 feet and a wall: Why some homeowners feel marginalized by the city’s plan to help families without homes
Some Ward 1 residents say they have legitimate concerns about the construction of a new homeless shelter in their neighborhood.

Their landlord is trying to push them out — residents respond with a rent strike
The landlord declined to comment on the matter.

Safe, secure, and positive: Moyo Onibuje on his new home in Columbia Heights
Vendor Moyo Onibuje discusses his experience finding housing, the comforts of his new home, and his ambitions for the future.

New affordable housing units aim to keep low-income residents from being priced out of Columbia Heights
Nonprofit developer Jubilee Housing is building affordable housing in Columbia Heights that will allow low-income families to stay in their neighborhood.

D.C. budget cuts mean this nonprofit can’t serve as many hot meals
After budget cuts last October, Thrive DC has cut its hot meals offered from five days a week to three days a week, as well as decreased the hours that clients may use the facilities. Clients and staff alike said they are upset about these changes, but have been working to adjust to the new schedule.

Metro Needs To Find Its Humanity
Speakers from One DC, Amalgamated Transit Union 689 and others encouraged the crowd to contact their council members and call for affordable transit.

Fighting For Shelter: Discrimination Suit Dismissed, NIMBY Suit Filed
An appeal brought against the District government by a group of 42 homeless men who were evicted from the La Casa low-barrier shelter in 2010, has been summarily dismissed on all counts by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

Appeal of Homeless Men Kicked Out of La Casa Shelter to be Heard Friday
A group of homeless men who stayed at La Casa sued the city under the Fair Housing Act.

Letting Nothing Get in the Way of Family
Rochele Johnson pulls up a picture on her phone. It is of herself sixteen months ago, when she entered a detox program. “Who is this?”… Read more »

Urban Agriculture Takes Root In Columbia Heights
Tucked between Washington Hospital, the Soldiers’ Home and McMillan Reservoir in Columbia Heights sits nearly three acres of grass that remained empty for years. After… Read more »

Housing facility sets new standard for homeless services
Half a block from the Columbia Heights metro station, across from IHOP, Best Buy, and other restaurants and retail establishments, sits the District’s first seven-story… Read more »

Technology Center Puts Students on Pathway to Success
Reporting on how the Citiwide Computer Training Center helps educate low-income families and those in poverty on necessary computer skills.

Proposed Shelter Closing Could Strain Overstretched Resources
Reporting on the threat of a homeless shelter being closed due to rapid building developments in Columbia Heights.

Low-Income Families Hit Hardest by Mounting Rents
An overview of the results of the D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute’s latest report on housing affordability in DC.

Vendor Profile: Patricia Henry
It’s pretty fundamental – the lower your Street Sense vendor number, the longer you’ve been with the organization. Take for instance, Patricia Henry, whose vendor… Read more »
La Casa to Stay Open During Redevelopment
Shelter in Columbia Heights to remain open during redevelopment.