On Nov. 14, I participated in a panel discussion at The George Washington University about ending homelessness. It was organized by a progressive leadership organization, the Roosevelt Institute, which is affiliated with the Roosevelt presidential library. In addition to me, they recruited Commander Morgan Kane of the Metropolitan Police Department’s 1st District, At-Large Councilmember Elissa Silverman and ANC 2A (Foggy Bottom/West End) Commissioner Eve Zhurbinsky, who is in her last year of studies at GW.
Councilmember Silverman said that while the city is making progress, much more is needed. She explained that while D.C. has committed to annually investing $100 million dollars in the local Housing Production Trust Fund, and that seems like a lot of money, it doesn’t go very far when rationed out, in comparison to our community’s need for affordable housing.
Commander Kane explained why tent encampments are razed by the city, even though that does nothing to help end homelessness. A couple of camps on E Street near the university campus had recently been swept and drew the attention of students. Kane said camps are shut down for safety issues. They can be breeding grounds for rodents and in one instance on E Street, domestic and sexual abuse was taking place.
[Read more: “Where else can we go?” ask residents of an embattled D.C. homeless encampment]
When asked about my interactions with people experiencing homelessness, I said that I do outreach at the downtown parks with the National Coalition for the Homeless as well as helping my fellow vendors by giving out sales tips and offering financial help.
This event was scheduled as part of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, which has been observed by an increasing number of college campuses since 1975. But you, my customers, remain aware of hunger and homelessness 24/7/365. Thanks for your support throughout this year, You all are AWESOME!
Street Sense Media artists also performed works of original theater and spoken word at The George Washington University and Georgetown University campuses.
Thanks to Trusted Health Plan, Dr. Lysa Fitzpatrick (Promoting Practical Health), DC Soul 139 and one of our vendors, a free health fair was provided at the Street Sense Media office on Nov. 22.
The Street Sense Media photography group’s work was on display at the IA&A at Hillyer for FotoWeekDC 2017.
