Content categorized as Ward 8

Confusion mires Zoning Commission meeting about Barry Farm and residents’ right to return

Despite families leaving as early as 2012, redevelopment at Barry Farm continues to see delays, and former residents still are not sure whether – or when – they may be able to return.

Patients and staff brace for large cuts to Southeast DC’s only hospital

One nurse at United Medical Center described a hospital “strangled” by a lack of staff and resources. Last month, the D.C. Council voted to further limit money flowing in.

Unique settlement creates hope for change to rampant housing discrimination in DC

A source-of-income lawsuit against Bozzuto Management results in a unique settlement with broad implication for future discrimination cases related to housing subsidies

This mobile grocery store is making fresh foods available throughout Ward 8

Curbside Groceries, a mobile grocer, commutes to seven designated locations in Ward 8 each week to provide residents with more than 100 produce, meat, fish, baking, and condiment options.

SMYAL expands services for LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness

SMYAL, known as Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders, is launching a third Extended Transitional Housing program this spring for LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness that will provide residents with up to six years of mental health support, shelter and employment assistance.

Taking advantage of low-income homebuyers in DC — all the way to the bank

Nine women who used DC’s Home Purchase Assistance Program for first-time homebuyers are now forced into a lawsuit after a multiyear battle over poor construction and repairs of their homes.

Angela Hill, a fixture in Southeast DC, dies at 58

Family and neighbors gathered on Feb. 20 evening to celebrate the life of Angela Hill, who died under the John Philip Sousa Bridge. She had lived there for at least 10 years.

Tenants at Marbury Plaza renew a decade-old rent strike as COVID-19 exacerbates a history of neglect

The D.C. Tenants Union partnered with tenant leaders at Marbury Plaza in Southeast D.C. to organize a rent strike and push the landlord and city government for repairs and rental relief.

DC task force recommends major investments in affordable housing to prevent crime

The District Task Force on Jails and Justice made 80 recommendations to the Mayor to invest in more affordable housing, to help communities and prevent crime.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.