Content categorized as Southeast

500 DC families received $1,100 a week. Here’s how it helped them

THRIVE, a partnership between four local nonprofits, launched a basic income program in Ward 8. Participants report that the extra money has made an unimaginable difference in their financial situation.

Solar Works DC program creates jobs and can reduce expenses for low-income households

Solar Works D.C., through the DDOE, employs low-income residents in a solar installation and job training program. Panels are installed across the District, and low-income residents can request installations for free.

DCSEU green energy program helps people who have lost their homes

When Andre Roberson and Yolanda Hayden lost their jobs and homes, the DCSEU Workforce Development program helped get them back on their feet.

DC attorney general sues 7 discriminatory landlords and property managers

Karl Racine announced three lawsuits against seven landlords and property management companies for denying tenancy based on race, disabilities, and sources of income.

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.

Elderly woman hit and killed by MPD vehicle

An officer driving to assist a fellow officer the night of July 24 hit a homeless woman who was crossing the street. She died soon after.

Former Ward 8 landlord to pay $3.5 million to tenants and DC over poor housing conditions

The former landlord of Forest Ridge and The Vistas, two apartment buildings in Ward 8, has agreed to pay current and former tenants $1.9 million in restitution payments to compensate them for uninhabitable living conditions.

Inconsistent mail delivery in Ward 8 suppresses vote-by-mail participation during the pandemic, lawsuit says

Ward 8 residents sued the D.C. Board of elections claiming that focusing on absentee ballots unfairly left out residents of the ward because mail is not reliably delivered there.

801 East redevelopment on track to finish in September 2021, but stakeholders say there isn’t enough transparency

The state-of-the-art men’s shelter is set to replace a 380-bed facility in Southeast DC by September 2021. But construction atop a former landfill and a Metrorail tunnel have raised environmental and structural concerns. 

Female veterans revamp Calvary Women’s Services in Anacostia

Calvary Women’s Services in Anacostia, a transitional housing program for homeless women, received a one-day makeover in March. The Mission Continues — a nonprofit empowering female veterans to continue their service — brought 68 women to the facility to help with the revamp.

Landlord jailed for contempt of court in lawsuit over alleged failure to maintain safe living conditions

A D.C. landlord was arrested for contempt of court amidst litigation over allegations that he neglected to keep his properties up to code.

My Life…So Far

A few thoughts on poverty, substance abuse and injustice from artist and vendor Joshua Faison.

“A beautiful day”: Smithsonian accepts local photographer’s work on gentrification in DC

Joseph Young has lived in his current home for more than 25 years, and he’s seen his neighborhood rapidly transform around him. His photos have captured the story of gentrification in D.C. — and now they’re with the Smithsonian.

Board votes to approve portion of Barry Farm Dwellings as a historic landmark

Months of deliberations of the future of Barry Farm Dwellings came to an end on Jan. 30 after the Historic Preservation Review Board unanimously voted to protect a section of the neighborhood from redevelopment.

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.

Discussions on historic designation of Barry Farm continue into next year

The hearings to determine how much of Barry Farm will be designated as a historic landmark continued Dec. 5 as progress reports were provided.

The fate of United Medical Center remains unsettling to many residents of wards 7 and 8

Passionate and upset D.C. residents packed shoulder-to-shoulder into room 412 of the Wilson Building for a six-hour hearing on the future of the only hospital east of the Anacostia River.

Rocketship school officials cite new security and communication protocol after attempted kidnapping

School officials at Rocketship Rise Academy Public Charter School presented security and communication changes to protect their students in light of an attempted kidnapping.  

801 East men’s shelter redevelopment on schedule for Summer 2021

The redesign of 801 East Men’s Shelter is currently on schedule to be completed by Summer 2021, according to Keith Anderson, the director of the D.C. Department of General Services. Construction was originally set for April 23, but was pushed back due to a wait for potential contractors.

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