Category: Update

Lost amidst the other recent stories of families struggling for lawful access to D.C.’s homeless shelters, the $417 million D.C. budget surplus, and the federal budget sequester, was the important announcement by the D.C. Housing Authority that they will be closing its Waiting List on April 12, 2013. Practically speaking, this announcement means that the Read more…

In January, I had the extraordinary honor of attending the wedding of former clients, Freddie Johnson and Lorraine Wollard, in the chapel at DC Superior Court. When I first met Freddie and Lorraine about five years ago they were living on 14th street… literally. They were bedding down each night in front of what’s now Read more…

For nearly thirty years, District of Columbia law has embraced the ideal that all residents should have a warm and safe place to sleep when the temperature is freezing. For those who are homeless, that ideal is expressed in the legal right to emergency shelter. However, the D.C. government’s current practices do not comport with Read more…

When President Obama spoke on Monday of our nation’s founding creed, that all are created equal, his words resonated deeply with us. He spoke of our resolve “that a great nation must care for the vulnerable, and protect its people from life’s worst hazards and misfortune.” He described our understanding “that our country cannot succeed Read more…

Happy New Year, Dear Readers! This year, we resolve to work harder than ever before to make justice a reality for our neighbors who struggle with homelessness and poverty. It’s unacceptable that so many DC residents are still living without access to safe, affordable housing in 2013, and we look forward to working with all Read more…

Today, December 21st, is the Winter Solstice, when darkness lasts longer than any other day. Since 1990, December 21st has been marked as National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, a day to mourn the loss and celebrate the lives of our brothers and sisters who have died while homeless. It has been far too dark, for Read more…

We were shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Patricia Handy, homeless coordinator in the Family Services Administration of the DC Department of Human Services, and a partner in the fight to end homelessness in the District. Ms. Handy dedicated her career to help better the lives of DC residents experiencing homelessness. She Read more…

December 1st is World AIDS Day, an opportunity for community members to unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS by increasing awareness, remembering those lost, demonstrating support for those living with HIV, and sharing solutions for moving forward and ending this epidemic. We want to let you know about a couple of events happening in the Read more…

This is the time of year when we reflect upon what we’re thankful for, and to be sure, that list is long. But it’s also a time for us to recognize the challenges facing so many of our neighbors, challenges that can be overcome only through the concerted efforts of everyone in our community. While Read more…

Written by Amber Harding On November 6, 2012, Laura White, 45, passed away. At the time she worked in the DC Office of Disability Rights as a Compliance Specialist. Two years ago she was diagnosed with cancer. She continued to work until just days before she died. I’d like to reflect on a few reasons Read more…