This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
Next Wednesday at noon, DC’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program will open to new applications. If you’re eligible for benefits, make sure to have your documentation ready to apply right at noon.
Next week will also be an important week for ongoing projects in Ward 4, with meetings on the traffic safety plan for Grant Circle and the Upshur Park modernization on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Lastly, over the last few weeks, we’ve welcomed several new businesses into our community. Below, I highlight some of the newest additions to Ward 4, including the latest grand opening today!
Council News/Legislative Updates
Apply for Emergency Rental Assistance
On Wednesday, November 20th at noon, DC’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) will open to new applications. In last week’s newsletter, I went into depth about the new changes that have been implemented following legislation passed by the Council in October. However, one important point to keep in mind is that ERAP will no longer run on a quarterly system, meaning that all funds for Fiscal Year 2025 will be allocated beginning on Wednesday, November 20th. That makes it all the more important for applicants to have all their materials ready to submit right at noon. As a reminder, here’s what you need to submit a complete application:
- Proof of DC residency (can be a lease or letter from landlord)
- Photo ID for all adults in the household (current government-issued ID like a driver’s license or passport)
Additionally, DHS recommends having the following documents available to make your application easier to complete:
- Proof of Income for last 30 days (paystubs, SSI, SSDI, unemployment benefits, retirement, child support, TANF). If you don’t have income, you can sign a 0 Income Statement.
- Proof of resources or benefits (bank statement from the last 30 days for all accounts, SNAP).
For neighbors who need help submitting their ERAP applications on the 20th, I would also encourage you to attend DHS’s in-person application clinic on November 20th, which will take place at UDC-CC Lamond-Riggs Campus, 5171 South Dakota Ave NE starting at 12pm.
Upcoming Bill Markups
Next week, the committee I chair, the Committee on Facilities and Family Services, will be marking up several bills related to child welfare in the District:
- Losing Outdated, Violent Exceptions (LOVE) Act: Introduced by Ward One Councilmember Brianne Nadeau, this bill would repeal DC’s broad religious exemption to child neglect laws. This would ensure the same definition of neglect applies to all District parents, protecting children from physical, mental, or emotional abuse.
- Child and Family Services Agency Investigation Completion Act: Introduced by Chairman Mendelson, this bill would extend the timeframe for completing child abuse and neglect investigations from 30 days to 45 days. This will help improve the quality of investigations and ensure social workers have the time to collect the necessary information to provide support to children and families.
- Luggage for All Youth in Foster Care Act (Lisa’s Law): My legislation would require DC’s Child and Family Services to provide youth in foster care with luggage and ban the use of trash bags for transporting children’s belongings.
Committee markups are streamed live on the Council’s website, and Committee of Facilities and Family Services hearings can also be watched live on my website, at www.janeeseward4.com/live.
Community News
Ward 4 Small Business Spotlight
Over the past few weeks, we’ve been lucky enough to welcome several new businesses to Ward 4! Here are a few of the latest openings:
- In October, we welcomed Nick’s Pizza on Upshur St in Petworth, and Juneberry Garage at The Parks at Walter Reed. Nick’s is a veteran-owned small business serving delicious pizza, sandwiches, and wings, and Juneberry Garage is serving a selection of drinks on a beautiful patio from the owners of The Midlands Beer Garden.
- Last week, I highlighted La Coop Coffee, which is back in Ward 4 after opening their new location on 500 Kennedy Street NW. Owner Juan Luis Salazar is serving up some of DC’s best coffee — make sure to stop by!
- Today was the grand opening of Fedwell, a brand-new restaurant on Upshur St in Petworth! Opened by Petworth resident Alexis Starkey, the new space boasts delicious farm-to-table comfort food with a sleek interior.
As Councilmember, I’m looking forward to supporting our local businesses by helping them address constituent services issues and increasing critical grant funding for our main street associations. Make sure to visit some of our brand-new neighborhood small businesses!
Community Resources
Resuming Interviews for SNAP Benefits
On Thursday, the Department of Health Services (DHS) announced changes to the application and recertification process for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Starting on December 1st, 2024, interviews will be required (either in-person or by phone) for all District residents applying or recertifying their SNAP benefits. Households in which all adults are 60 and older and/or disabled with no earned income will not be required to complete an interview to recertify their benefits. DHS is currently in the process of conducting outreach to SNAP recipients, including distributing flyers to residents and informing caseworkers. You can find more information on the new SNAP requirements on DHS’s website.
Leaf Collection Continues in Section 4B
Starting this week, leaf collection has begun in Section 4B, which includes all of Crestwood, all of Sixteenth Street Heights, and the part of Petworth west of Georgia Avenue. If you live in Section 4A/3A and your block has not received leaf collection, please report it via the 311 website and try to include a photo if you can (and my team is happy to help, too). Remember that you can track DPW’s leaf collection progress on their website and that each area will receive two leaf collection passes.
Meet Up with Mendo in Ward 4
On Saturday, November 16th from 10 to 11:30am, Council Chairman Phil Mendelson is hosting a “Meet Up with Mendo” event at Ice N’ Slice Eatery, 3937 Georgia Ave. Neighbors will have the opportunity to speak with Chairman Mendelson and ask questions about DC services, legislation, and other community issues.
DDOT Meeting on Grant Circle
On Tuesday, November 19th from 7 to 8pm, the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) is hosting a community meeting to discuss the proposed changes to Grant Circle. The meeting will be held at Center City PCS, 510 Webster St NW.
Upshur Park Modernization Meeting
On Wednesday, November 20th at 6pm. DPR will host a community meeting at the Petworth Library to provide updates on the Upshur Park Modernization Project. Find more details and RSVP here.
2024 Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway
The annual Ward 4 Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway for Ward 4 families in need will take place on Saturday, November 23rd starting at 11am at Riggs LaSalle Rec Center (501 Riggs Rd NE). The event will be first come, first serve while supplies last, and residents will be asked to bring proof of Ward 4 residency (DC ID, lease, utility bill, etc). To ensure we help as many Ward 4 families as possible, each family will be limited to one turkey. I am grateful to be partnering with the Lamond Riggs Citizens Association again this year to co-host this event.
Please help us get the word out by sharing the flyer in English, Spanish, or Amharic — or by sharing the flyer on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. If you want to spread the word about other Thanksgiving giveaway events in our community, please send them to us at teamjaneese@dccouncil.gov. Let’s ensure every Ward 4 family has a great Thanksgiving meal.
Destiny Church for All Nations Turkey Giveaway
On Sunday, November 24th at 9:30am, Destiny Church for All Nations is holding their annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway at 5209 Georgia Ave NW. The giveaway will be first come, first serve. For any questions, reach out to info@destinychurchnations.org.
Wards 3 & 4 Capital Projects Meeting
As we speak, there are several exciting Ward 4 projects in the works, including a modernization for the Upshur Rec Center, a renovation of the Emery Rec Center, and new community pool at The Parks at Walter Reed.
On Monday, December 2nd at 6pm, DPR will host a community meeting on ongoing capital projects in Wards 3 and 4, including many of the projects that were funded in the DC budget and are currently in progress. The meeting will be an excellent opportunity to hear the latest on these projects and ask DPR any questions about their ongoing work. Click here to RSVP and join!
Special Pumpkin Collection
During November 2024 only, food waste collection program participants may place one pumpkin or gourd on top of their food waste bin per week for collection. DPW will collect it at the same time as your bin is usually collected. Remember, pumpkins that are rotten should be placed inside the bin or taken to one of DPW’s food waste collection sites.
DCHA “Meet and Lease” Events
Over the next few weeks, the DC Housing Authority (DCHA) is hosting a series of “Meet and Lease” events at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St SW. Voucher recipients will have the opportunity to meet with landlords to get connected with housing opportunities. The events will take place on weekdays from 2 to 5:30pm, and Saturdays from 1 to 4pm on the following dates: Saturday, November 23rd, Saturday, December 7th, Thursday, December 12th, and Tuesday, December 17th.
Weatherization Item Giveaway
On Tuesday, December 3rd from 4 to 6pm, the DC Public Service Commission his hosting a Winter Ready DC event at the Shepherd Park/Juanita E. Thornton Library to help residents get the supplies needed to prepare their homes for the winter. District residents can receive a free home weatherization item (while supplies last) and get information on utility assistance programs. Register to attend for free here.
DC Water Updates
DC Water has shared several updates on work taking place in Ward 4 neighborhoods. Here are some of this week’s updates, particularly for Manor Park neighbors:
- Throughout next week, DC Water is expecting to perform installation of new water mains, pressure testing, and chlorination of newly installed water mains on the 300 and 400 blocks of Hamilton St NW.
- Next Wednesday, DC Water is expecting to perform sewer lining activities on the 400 block of Rittenhouse St NW.
- Throughout next week, DC Water is expecting to perform water service reconnections on the 5500 blocks of 3rd and 4th Sts NW.
Neighborhood Events
The Parks at Walter Reed Holiday Market & Celebration
On Saturday, November 16th from 12 to 5pm, The Parks at Walter Reed is hosting its final event of the year, the annual Holiday Market & Celebration! There will be tons of local handmade goods, holiday snacks, music, and a pop-up book sale, plus, a magical visitor to get neighbors in the holiday mood. RSVP and check out the full list of vendors.
Clean-Up at the Carter Barron Amphitheater
On Saturday, November 16th from 10am to 12pm, join Rock Creek Conservancy and the National Park Service for a cleanup of the Carter Barron Amphitheater. Neighbors will remove debris, paint, clear leaf litter, weed, sweep, and trim back invasive plants, helping preserve the amphitheater while it awaits future restoration. Event location directions and information will be sent from the event leader 24 hours before the event. Register here.
“Under Spacious Skies” Exhibit at Zenith Gallery
Zenith Gallery in Shepherd Park is currently showing a new exhibit entitled “Under Spacious Skies: The American Landscape,” with art by landscape painter Bradley Stevens. The exhibit is open until November 30th, with an artist talk on Saturday, November 16th at 2pm at the gallery, 1429 Iris St NW.
South Manor Community Clean-Up
On Sunday, November 17th at 10am, the South Manor Neighborhood Association is hosting a community clean-up, meeting at the corner of North Capitol St and Longfellow St NW. Tools and trash bags will be provided!
Temple Sinai Holiday Mart
On Sunday, November 24th from 9am to 4pm, Temple Sinai Women of Reform Judaism will be holding their annual Holiday Mart at 3100 Military Road NW. There will be festive fun for the whole family with exciting kids’ activities, including a performance by a famous local juggler (from 10:45 to 11:45am) and a make-your-own bracelet station plus a free hot dog for kids accompanied by a parent! For more information, visit www.templesinaidc.org/tswrj or email templesinaiwrj@gmail.com.
Crestwood Turkey Trot
The Crestwood Citizens Association’s annual Turkey Trot will take place on Thursday, November 28th at 9am! The main event will be a 5k run and a 1-mile family fun run/walk (strollers and wagons welcome). Registration is $25 per person, online only. Kids aged 5 and under are free.
Wednesday Jazz on Kennedy Street
Over the next few months, Uptown Main Street is organizing monthly live jazz performances on the 700 block of Kennedy Street NW. The next performance is on Wednesday, December 11th from 7 to 9pm.
For more local events, check out DPR, DC Public Library, and NPS.
Important Reminders
Office Hours in the Community
Every Wednesday afternoon, our Ward 4 constituent services team holds office hours at Fort Stevens Rec Center from 12 to 1pm, followed by office hours atHattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center from 1:30 to 2:30pm. Community members can stop by and speak one-on-one with a member of our team about DC government services or our work in the Ward 4 community.
Ward 4 in the News
Petworth News: A sneak peek at Fedwell, opening Friday Nov 15th on Upshur
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Forthcoming Neighborhood Aldi is Still Hiring
WUSA 9: Solar panels pitched to solve DC playground problem
Patch: Dorothy Height Elementary School Bake and Cider Sale
Our Sports Central: DC Power Football Club Adds Former NFL Star Vernon Davis to the Ownership Group
Ward 4 Dispatch: ERAP Updates, La Coop Grand Opening, and Veterans Day
These are news articles that mention Ward 4 or pertain to events in our community. Councilmember Lewis George does not write or endorse their content but shares them for community awareness.
Over the weekend, the memorial service was held for Mary Levy, a fierce and longtime advocate for public education in DC. We are all enriched by her lifetime of service on behalf of students, educators, and families in communities throughout the District.
Lastly, next week, there will be two community meetings on ongoing projects in Ward 4 — on Tuesday, a meeting on the revised traffic safety plan for Grant Circle, and on Wednesday, a meeting on the ongoing Upshur Park modernization. You can check the community resources section of today’s newsletter for details on how to join and hear more about these important Ward 4 projects.
Have a relaxing fall weekend, neighbors!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
