Content categorized as Ward 8

Encampment cleanup paused for a day; residents resist

Tiny, who lives in the encampment, sat on top of her bookshelf as DMHHS workers and service providers attempted to force her to move her belongings for the June 28 clean-up.

This nonprofit is tackling the achievement gap through arts empowerment

The Community Enrichment Project (CEP) is a youth civic engagement and empowerment nonprofit with a mission to enhance underserved communities by empowering young leaders. This article explores the work founder Lauren Grimes is doing with local youth.

New Anacostia center improves access to health care, but nearby residents unaware, hesitant to change

Residents of southeast D.C. were used to traveling up to 50 minutes each way to receive health care in different parts of the city. Now, a new provider is open in Ward 8 to combat accessibility issues.

Metro derailment brings transit equity issues to light

Each morning before heading to a public charter school in southeast Washington, one teacher must decide if she’s going to pay for an Uber, which… Read more »

Changes are coming to local fresh food initiative Produce Plus

After working with the nonprofit D.C. Greens for seven years, the D.C. Department of Health is contracting with a new administrator for the city’s Produce… Read more »

Displaced homeowners continue to face struggles despite help provided by the city

Last Friday, Karl Morrison — one of the 46 homeowners displaced from their properties at 1262 Talbert St. SE because of dire safety concerns —… Read more »

A new accessible medical center opens in Ward 8, DC

The Michelle Obama Southeast Center of Bread for the City, a federally funded community health center, opened recently at 1700 Good Hope Road SE to provide greater access to low-barrier healthcare services for residents in Wards 7 and 8.

Judge rules DC is not at fault for funding construction of affordable housing that fell apart soon after it was built

A group of homeowners filed a lawsuit against the city and a developer in January, claiming major oversights with the construction of homes that fell apart once they were sold. The homes were financed through a special fund administered by the city to provide affordable housing to low-income, first-time homeowners. But a District judge ruled in late August that the city is not responsible even after helping fund the construction of homes that were faulty. With the developer having declared bankruptcy, it’s unclear what the future of the case will be.

UMC drafts budget while hospital finances remain in trouble

Southeast DC’s only hospital is trying to dig itself out of a financial pit, but a lack of patients has complicated the effort.

Mama and Baby Bus: Bringing care to wards 7 and 8

Mallory Mpare is seeking to make a difference for pregnant people of color in the District through a mobile health clinic that brings comprehensive care to parents and babies in wards 7 and 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.