“Dear PoPville,

A homeless person camped next to our kids’ school was recently arrested for “charges including assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of a large capacity Ammunition Feeding Device, possession of Unregistered Ammunition, and receiving Stolen Property.” I feel for the remaining inhabitants, but it seems like it’s time for residents of this encampment to go somewhere where they are not harassing elementary school students, as potential dangers to students now seem to outweigh COVID risks. Do readers have any suggestions for getting District leaders to listen to and act on our concerns?”

Readers pass on a letter to the Seaton Community: Read More

“Dear PoPville,

It seems like most food pantries are requesting cash donations, which makes sense. But does anyone have advice on where I can donate a few bags of non-perishable items (pasta, beans, vegetables, etc.)? I’m moving long-distance and clearing out my pantry; I’d hate for it to go to waste with so many in need at the moment.”

and

“Are there some resources for how we can support the homeless population? I’m wondering whether there are ways to support them that don’t require close contact with others. My boyfriend is high risk so we avoid most human contact.”

14th and Chapin Street, NW looking south

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser, the Department of Human Services (DHS), and the Department of General Services (DGS) celebrated the completion of The Terrell, the Short-Term Family Housing (STFH) site in Ward 1 and the last of the eight STFH sites to open in the District. This achievement marks another milestone toward Mayor Bowser’s strategic plan to end homelessness and close DC General in favor of short-term family housing programs. Families are expected to begin moving into the Terrell in March 2021. Read More

“Dear PoPville,

Since the attack at the Capitol Building, 5 local Black-owned restaurants have been working tirelessly to provide meals for our unhoused neighbors throughout DC. In partnership with local grassroots mutual aid group @fueltheppl, Open Crumb, Taste of Jamaica, Heat da Spot Cafe, Chez Dior and Po Boy Jim have made over 1,100 meals for the community to support unhoused DC residents that have been impacted and/or displaced by the current state of emergency in DC. Read More

“Dear PoPville,

I read this morning that the Bowser administration is planning to cut funding services to those experiencing homelessness, particularly youth. During a pandemic! During winter! When it has already done far too little for these folks! AND proposed a budget increase for the police and dipped into its emergency funds to give money to businesses! I thought our mayor couldn’t get worse — wrong! Read More

via GoFundMe

From an email:

“One More Plate, Inc. (OMP) was founded on April 1st to provide those experiencing homelessness in Washington, D.C. with more food security during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning with just one plate in DuPont Circle, One More Plate has since delivered over 9,000 “plates” that consist of hot meals, water, juice, fruit, and a snack along a 13-stop route across greater DC. Read More

“Dear PoPville,

I’m working w Sasha Bruce youthwork, a 45 year old organization that provides services to homeless youth across the city and PG county. The organization’s 19 programs and centers remain open during COVID, continuing w regular programming while also providing essential items (masks, cleaning supplies, etc), more meals, and additional support programs. But, many of our city’s homeless youth are especially challenged physically and emotionally during this time. We are asking DC residents to help from afar by sending a “note of encouragement” to these youth.” Read More

“Dear PoPville,

I’m sure you remember hearing the story back in 2018 of the young homeless kid who was being confronted by police with a gun, and then saved by a woman – Anthony Williams.

A go fund me was set up, that raised over $25k.

I contributed and often looked back to find out more about how his life may be going, but never found much. Read More

From the the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty:

“The Law Center is disappointed at the common misconceptions in NoMa BID’s open letter. We understand that people are worried about their ability to safely walk through public spaces and would also like to point out that we should be equally concerned about the safety of solutions for the underrepresented NoMa residents – those living with homelessness.

The request to place “pedestrian safe-passage zones” in NoMa can quickly become a way to exclude vulnerable NoMa residents. It is an act of dividing human beings into groups of people who are considered “illegally encamped” and those who are not, those deemed worthy of safety and those who are not. We are falling into an “us versus them” narrative, which sees the “other” as a threat that must be strategically removed. Read More

“Dear PoPville,

This is an open letter the NoMa BID just released on the homeless encampments under the passway. TLDR it is pretty much a call to action on public to contact DC Gov for help on this issue after attempts by NoMA BID.

In light of the discussion on the Columbia Heights Plaza I’d be curious on PoPulace feedback to NoMa situation. Unlike Columbia Heights, NoMa has a BID that has tried for years to address the issue of the homeless encampment with their resources and funds. As a NoMa office worker I see the NoMa BID street team cleaning the underpass between the scheduled cleanings that DC DPW (?) handles on top of their daily work to keep the NoMA streets and public spaces clean.

If an organization like NoMA BID that has the manpower, resources, funds, and presumably connections with DC Govt can’t grapple this issue what hope do we have for Columbia Heights that doesn’t have help in the form of BID and what will it take to address & at least alleviate/improve this issue in the short term.”

Full letter from the Noma BID: Read More