Content categorized as Southeast

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.

With limited access to hospital resources in wards 7 and 8, local clinics are bridging the gap in health care

Only one hospital is currently located east of the Anacostia River, while six of D.C.’s seven acute care hospitals are located in Northwest — even though wards 2 and 3 have close to the same number of residents as wards 7 and 8. As a result, primary-care clinics are filling the gap.  

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.

Is it over for Hope Village, the last men’s halfway house in DC?

A Street Sense Vendor and former resident of Hope Village describes some of his experiences in the halfway house and why Hope Village should not be in operation anymore.

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 »

After a $5 million pledge from Exelon, the 11th Street Bridge Park needs less than $28 million to reach its goals 

The 11th Street Bridge Project, just 28 million dollars short of its goal, seeks to create D.C.’s first elevated public space and help the communities of Ward 8.

“We’re all we got:” Former and current Hope Village residents fear the future of re-entry in DC

Regardless of the years of reports showing poor conditions and minimal resources, the value of Hope Village remains debated as federally incarcerated DC residents across the country fear losing their one connection to home.

Health care professionals urge DC to build a “full-service” hospital east of the Anacostia River

The D.C. Health Justice Coalition hosted a community discussion on July 11 to develop their arguments for equitable health care throughout the District.

New STEM lab showcases a dedication to improving the lives of disadvantaged students at Ketcham Elementary

An Anacostia public school just created a brand-new STEM lab for its students  — many of whom may be experiencing homelessness or poverty.

The Douglass Community Land Trust is making its first investment to support community control among new housing development in Ward 8

The Douglass Community Land Trust announced its first project in Ward 8, facilitating permanent affordability to 65-unit apartment complex in Anacostia.

This map shows even more starkly how inequitably distributed DC’s affordable housing is

A 2018 map of DC illustrates the major inequities of available affordable housing in high-income areas of DC and concentration in a few lower-income areas.

Urban farming in a food desert

With only one full-service grocery store to serve more than 80,000 residents, urban farming and a community-supported agriculture program are meeting important nutrition needs.

Congress Heights landlord tries to avoid blame for apartment disrepair in effort to redevelop land  

CityPartners and the DC Superior Court continue to wrestle over the question of housing repairs for a property in Congress Heights.

This pilot program allows health clinics to prescribe produce to improve health, supported by grocery vouchers

Health clinics in D.C. may now prescribe produce to patients with chronic conditions in order to issue assistance to afford healthy food that will mitigate those conditions.

Still Boarded Up: A long con in Congress Heights?

Geoffrey Griffis says it’s cheaper to replace Congress Heights properties than repair them. Attorney General Karl Racine says replacement has been the developer’s goal for years and low-income tenants have suffered.

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.

THE HOBO: Black Fields swears,
“D.C. DON’T STAND FOR DODGE CITY!!!”

Part 9 of “The Black Fields Chronicles: The HOBO,” a fiction story based on the reality of homelessness.

Interim agency head aims to focus on affordable housing

Acting director of the District’s Office of Planning, Andrew Trueblood, emphasized his focus on affordable housing as the city develops its new comprehensive plan at a meeting with community activists.