This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
This week, I’m sharing important updates on DC’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which will reopen applications on November 20th at noon, and how to meet the new requirements for receiving benefits.
I’m also sharing the latest news on this week’s hearings, including my hearing on Thursday on my bill protecting DC’s youth in foster care, as well as some important community resources.
Council News/Legislative Updates
Emergency Rental Assistance Updates
At the beginning of October, the Council voted to approve legislation instituting updates to DC’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). This week, the Department of Human Services (DHS) announced ERAP will reopen on November 20th, 2024 at noon, with several key changes. As residents prepare to submit their applications in the coming weeks, here are a few updates to be aware of:
- New eligibility requirements: The legislation passed by the Council last month sets new requirements for demonstrating eligibility for ERAP. Applicants now need to provide documentation to prove their District residency, household income, and facts and circumstances around their need for support. Visit www.erap.dhs.dc.gov/FAQs for a full list of required documents.
- Continuously open portal: Part of DHS’s changes include shifting from the previous system of the ERAP portal opening quarterly. Now, the ERAP portal will remain open until funds run out. That means all funds for Fiscal Year 2025 will be allocated beginning on Wednesday, November 20th, making it all the more important for applicants to have their materials ready to submit right at noon.
- New waiting room feature: The ERAP portal now includes a “Waiting Room” feature that shows applicants their approximate wait time to apply. When the online application traffic meets a pre-determined level, applicants will be held in line in the “Waiting Room” and then redirected once the number of applicants online decreases.
- Housing provider portal: This new feature allows housing providers to upload their documentation needed to complete the eligibility review and be notified via email with a time-sensitive link as soon as residents have successfully submitted their applications.
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. DHS is in the process of planning a second clinic, which will be shared on the ERAP website once details become available.
Lisa’s Law Hearing
On Thursday, I led a hearing of the Committee on Facilities and Family Services on the Luggage for All Youth in Foster Care Act, or Lisa’s Law. I was proud to introduce the bill back in September, which requires DC’s Child and Family Services Agency to provide children in foster care with luggage for use in transporting their belongings and bans the use of trash bags for that purpose.
Thursday’s hearing was an opportunity to hear from advocates and the people who have been most closely impacted by the foster care system. It was particularly moving to hear the testimony of Lisa Cohen, the bill’s namesake, who spoke to her experiences transitioning through 13 residential placements as a kid, and the importance luggage can play in reinforcing a sense of dignity and stability in our youth during challenging transitions. I’m grateful for the support of my colleagues in moving this bill forward and look forward to continuing to advance the bill through the legislative process. If you’d like to watch the recording of the hearing, you can do so here.
Community News
La Coop Open on Kennedy Street!
On Friday, La Coop Coffee held its grand opening at its beautiful new location at 500 Kennedy St NW! It was amazing to see so many community members welcoming in the brand-new space right in the heart of Ward 4. Congratulations to owner Juan Luis Salazar and the entire staff of La Coop for working to make this day possible.
If you haven’t been able to visit yet, make sure to stop by for some of DC’s best coffee and eats!
Community Resources
Leaf Collection Begins in Section 4B
Next week, the week of November 11th, leaf collection will begin 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 these areas, please plan to rake your leaves on your tree box, curb, or easement by Sunday, November 10th for DPW crews to collect over the next two weeks. DPW will also collect leaves in paper bags, but they will not collect leaves in plastic bags. If you live in Section 4A/3A and your block does not receive leaf collection by the end of this weekend, 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.
Veterans Day Trash Collection & Modified DC Services
DPW will pause trash collection on Monday, November 11th for Veterans Day, and trash collection schedules will slide forward starting on November 12th. That means if your regular collection day takes place on Monday, your trash will be picked up on Tuesday. Stay tuned for more information from the Office of the Mayor on the status of all DC services for Veterans Day.
ANC 4C Survey on OUC / DC 911 Feedback
On Wednesday, November 13th from 6:30 to 8:30pm, ANC 4C will hold their next monthly meeting at the Petworth Library, which will be attended by leadership from the Office of Unified Communications (OUC), which manages DC’s 911 system. Ahead of this meeting, ANC 4C is soliciting feedback from ANC 4C, Petworth, and Ward 4 residents who have attempted to call DC 911 in the last 12 months, to understand delays, errors, technical barriers to communication, and other issues they have faced. You can submit feedback here.
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 2nd, Tuesday, November 12th, Saturday, November 23rd, Saturday, December 7th, Thursday, December 12th, and Tuesday, December 17th.
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 Brightwood Park and Manor Park neighbors:
- Throughout next week, DC Water is expecting to perform installation of new water mains on the 300 & 400 blocks of Hamilton Street NW.
- Throughout next week, DC Water is expecting to perform water service reconnections to individual properties on the 5500 block of 3rd and 4th St NW.
- Next Friday, DC Water is expecting to perform sewer lining activities on the 400 block of Rittenhouse St NW.
Neighborhood Events
Art and Fashion on Upshur
On Saturday, November 9th from 12 to 5pm, Uptown Main Street and Petworth Main Street are hosting Art and Fashion on Upshur, complete with live painters, a fashion show, art vendors, live music, and lots of business specials. The event will take place on the 800 block of Upshur St NW.
Dorothy Height ES Bake & Cider Sale
On Saturday, November 9th from 9am to 1pm, the Dorothy Height Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization is hosting a Bake and Cider Sale at the Petworth Community Market. A variety of delicious homemade baked goods and cider will be available for purchase. All proceeds will benefit students and teachers at Dorothy Height Elementary.
The Parks at Walter Reed Holiday Market & Celebration
On Saturday, November 16th from 12 to 5pm, The Parks at Walter Reed is hosting its 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.
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.
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 November 13th from 7 to 9pm, followed by another performance on Wednesday, December 11th.
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.
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: Join an evening of reflection at President Lincoln’s Cottage on Wednesday, 11/6
Ward 4 Dispatch: Leaf Collection Begins, E-Cycling, and DC Health Link Open Enrollment
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.
As we head into Veterans Day weekend, I’m reflecting on the 30,000 DC residents who bravely served in the Armed Forces. On Thursday, I was grateful to continue one of my favorite traditions of visiting the Help USA Veterans Building at The Parks at Walter Reed for our annual Coffee and Donuts with the Veterans event. Thank you for having us again this year!
Lastly, as we come to the end of a long election week, I am feeling humbled and profoundly grateful for our Ward 4 community. With the partnership of our community leaders, ANCs, and neighbors, over the next four years, I’ll continue to fight for our firmly-held values — for strong schools, safe streets, an inclusive economy, and a government that puts people first.
Next week will be another big week on the Council with our regular legislative and Committee of the Whole meetings, so stay tuned for more updates and news on things to come!
Wishing you a relaxing weekend, neighbors.
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
