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Homeless families deserve shelter that is safe and dignified. And this February, I put forward a comprehensive plan to close DC General – by creating short-term family housing across the District. The sites were selected based on size, location, access to transportation, and an ability to relocate homeless families to clean, safe, and dignified facilities by 2018.
This week, Chairman Mendelson and the DC Council passed a bill that includes alternate sites in several Wards. While I am pleased to see the Council finally take action, I am concerned that their proposal delays the closure of DC General beyond 2018 and may include restrictions that jeopardize the entire program. That means years of families having no choice but to stay in an old, dilapidated place that does not live up to the ethical and moral values of our city.
To boot, the Council passed the legislation without hearing one word of input from District residents. After all the Chairman’s talk about the need to listen to the community, he came up with this scheme in the dark of night, without allowing for one single day for public debate.
We will work with the Council to minimize the delay, and give families who experience homelessness the dignity and hope they deserve.
Several working groups are meeting this week. More information, including meeting times and updates on statehood, can be found by visiting statehood.dc.gov. Please consider joining us by signing up for a working group, and be a part of history – by helping DC achieve statehood and full representation in Congress.
On Monday, Mayor Bowser delivered the commencement address at her alma mater, Chatham University, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Prior to delivering her remarks, the Mayor was awarded an honorary doctoral degree in public service along with Trininty Washington University President Patricia McGuire, and Dr. Elizabeth McCormack.
The White House announced that Washington, DC has been selected as a Summer Impact Hub, part of President Barack Obama’s Summer Opportunity Project. This effort, led locally by the Workforce Investment Council (WIC), will expand access to opportunities this summer and beyond through the Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP). The District of Columbia will receive a Federal “Summer Ambassador” who will spend the spring and summer with us, helping to leverage federal resources, break down agency siloes, and build new partnerships.
DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department Annual Awards Ceremony
On Tuesday night, Mayor Bowser joined the DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (DCFEMS) to honor department members and first responders who were recognized by their peers for their outstanding work. During the ceremony, DC Fire and EMS Chief Gregory Dean presented the Benjamin Greenup Award to the family of the late Lt. Kevin McRae, who passed away last year as he was fighting to save others. The District of Columbia thanks our firefighters and first responders for their service and continued dedication to our city.
Yesterday, the American Hotel & Lodging Association awarded Thomas Penny, General Manager of Courtyard by Marriot Convention Center, with the Lamp of Knowledge for Outstanding Workforce Partner Award for his work supporting DC youth and adults through the Hospitality High School and the three Hospitality Academies at Ballou High School, Wilson High School, Columbia Heights Education Campus, and soon-to-be Maya Angelou Public Charter School.
In addition, Penny was recognized for adult workforce training initiatives, such as a recent initiative with the Marriott Marquis,where the hotel was able to get a sizable number of returning citizens trained and hired. Collaborations and partnerships like this keep our city moving forward.
Pathways to the Middle Class: Executive Director, Mayor’s Office of Religious Affairs
The Mayor’s Office of Religious Affairs (MORA) cultivates policies that engage community and faith-based organizations in the creation of citywide programs and initiatives across multiple disciplines. MORA also seeks to establish and coordinate effective collaborations between District of Columbia government agencies and the faith community in addressing citywide issues. The office has an opening for an Executive Director to spearhead all efforts. All details regarding this vacancy, including qualifications, can be found by visiting the job announcement.
