Content categorized as Downtown

Street Sense vendors react to downtown bench removal

Multiple Street Sense vendors give their opinions on bench removal in the downtown area.

Franklin Square Park will close for renovations this fall

Street Sense Media artist and vendor Reginald Black writes about a D.C. park closing.

Vigil held for presumably homeless men struck by an SUV

Two men were struck and killed on July 10 in James Monroe Park when an SUV barreled off of Pennsylvania Avenue and into the park bench where they had been sitting.

Activists petition community to support a D.C. Council vote on public bathrooms in 2018

For the last four years, a small group of community activists has pushed for access to public restrooms in downtown Washington, D.C. They managed to influence the introduction of legislation to pursue this goal, but are worried it will not receive a vote.

Candlelight vigil for missing and murdered women

The National Museum of the American Indian hosted a candlelight vigil in honor of the Native American women who have been murdered or are currently missing.

Long sought-after downtown day center to open for homeless community

$1.7 million grant from Bowser to pilot a center homeless advocates have been requesting for a decade

House passes bill allowing the District to renovate Franklin Square Park

Bill that allows the District to work with the National Park Service to maintain and operate Franklin Square Park passes in the House of Representatives

Homeless youth are finding community at a downtown drop-in center

Every Monday, homeless youth flock to a drop-in center formed by First Congregational United Church of Christ, Sasha Bruce Youthwork, and the Downtown D.C. Business Improvement District. Staff supplies youth with food, activities, HIV testing, and other services, as well as connects them to other resources.

Coalition of employers seeks to hire hundreds of D.C. youth

On September 20th, approximately 6,800 out-of-school and unemployed D.C. youth attended the Opportunity Fair & Forum. Special resources were provided for homeless and at-risk youth.

The MLK Mural Will Return. Will The Homeless?

On June 8, 2017 D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and, former mayor Anthony Williams spoke about the 3-year renovation of D.C.’s downtown library branch while the historic 56 ft x 7 ft mural of Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference was removed.

PEOPLE IN THE PARK:
The Man Who Wheeled His Way into The Oval Office

Wisconsin man Dennis Schulze brings a personal touch to his fundraising efforts for police and military. After spending a month traveling from Delaware to the White House by wheelchair, Schulze finds himself so touched by the stories in Franklin Park that he spends a week sleeping there. 

March on Washington Anniversary Inspires Low-Wage Worker Advocates

When civil rights activists marched in Washington fifty years ago, their movement became known as a push for racial equality. With the anniversary Aug. 28, advocates have been reminding the public and lawmakers that the march was for jobs and freedom.

N Street Village takes the Kennedy Center

The women of N Street Village reacted with elation and nervousness when they first glimpsed the Terrace Theater at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Cherry Blossoms

A poem about the lovely tress sown on the mall

Photos of the 100th anniversary cherry blossom blooming at the Tidal Basin.

Pictures of the Cherry Blossoms down on the mall

VENDOR PROFILE: VEDA SIMPSON

A look at the life of long time Street Sense vendor, Veda Simpson

National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day 2003

A photo of a protester

National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day 2003 Activists

A photograph of rallies taking place on National Homeless Persons Memorial Day in 2003