I am very pleased to introduce a regular column with news and insights about homelessness and homeless services in Washington D.C. from the view of the District Government. In this space, I will “talk about homelessness” and the plans, programs, legislation and any other topics that affect our homeless citizens and their well–being. I pledge to be open, transparent, informative and forward–looking as I write about matters that are important to our fellow citizens who are homeless and the many facets that make up homeless services in the District.

As the Deputy Mayor for Children, Youth, Families and Elders, I am committed to increasing homeless prevention efforts using local and federal resources; to developing or subsidizing new units of affordable, supportive housing; and to coordinating mainstream social services for homeless residents. In the District, we are striving to prevent and end homelessness one person and one family at a time by taking creative steps guided by a clear vision and sustained leadership.

One approach to dealing with homelessness is through legislation, and the Homeless Services Reform Act of 2005 is the most recent example. Effective October 22, 2005, this law, among other things, formalizes the rights and responsibilities of the homeless in shelters and supportive housing, establishes service standards for providers of homeless services, and sets out procedures for resolving disputes between homeless citizens and service providers.

Additionally, the Homeless Services Reform Act calls for establishment of the Interagency Council on Homelessness, a group of government and citizen stakeholders that will advise the government on all matters affecting the District’s homeless population and homeless services. Among the stakeholders will be at least two homeless or formerly homeless individuals as well as a minimum of two homeless advocates. We want to be sure that the voice of the homeless community is heard clearly in all matters that affect its members.

Bringing targeted and tailored services to particular homeless groups is a way to ensure that their actual needs are being served well. On December 17, 2005, the Department of Human Services and a group of service providers sponsored a housing fair at D.C. Village for families currently residing in shelters in the District. Fifty families were identified to receive assistance that will enable them to seek out housing and maintain independent lifestyles.

This “service fair” concept was used again to target services to homeless youths and young adults from 16 to 24 years of age during an event at the Emery Recreation Center on Georgia Avenue in Northwest on April 19, 2006. The services available included employment, drug treatment, mental health, child care, food stamps, education, legal, medical, financial counseling and clothing assistance.

While the fair was available to walk–in customers, many participants were affiliated with programs such as the 801 East Shelter, Covenant House Washington, Emery House, Franklin School Shelter, Sasha Bruce Youthwork and the Latin American Youth Center. Nearly 100 youths and young adults enjoyed food and drink, friendship and direct access to needed services during this day–long fair.

In each column, I also want to provide updates on projects of high importance to the homeless community, including news about shelter operations, the programs and services available, success stories, improvements and new construction. There is great concern about the availability of downtown shelter space, and I want to talk about a number of projects that may ease that concern.

One project currently under construction is the former Gales School at Massachusetts Avenue and G Street, NW. This brick building, dating from about 1887, is a local historic landmark. It is slated to receive new plumbing, mechanical systems and other work to make it a model for homeless services and living accommodations. When completed in September 2007, this shelter will have sleeping areas for 150 clients, central air conditioning, space for group activities, individual storage and a full range of services on–site. The Gales Shelter represents our commitment to serve our citizens who are homeless with appropriate living space, amenities and services in an accessible and central location. I look forward to keeping you updated on this exciting project as it moves forward.

I know that there have been many rumors about the possible closure and sale of the Franklin School at 913 13th Street in Northwest. Please be assured that there has been no closure date established for the Franklin School Shelter. According to the D.C. Office of Property Management, the District is aggressively trying to locate space for a new shelter to replace this building, which will eventually be sold. At this time, however, the Franklin School Shelter is open and serving those citizens of the District who are homeless.

Another location of concern has been La Casa, and we want to emphatically state that it is still on the map! Because of development in Northwest on and around Irving Street, La Casa will temporarily be relocated until the new La Casa shelter is built. The substance abuse treatment program at the present La Casa site will temporarily move to 1311 Spring Road, NW I do not yet have the date, but it is projected to be within the next two to three months. The La Casa relocation and redevelopment are among the important ongoing shelter projects that I will update as more information becomes available.

I hope that this first column has been informative and helpful to your understanding of the efforts that are being made on a daily basis in the District to serve our homeless population. See you next month when we can “talk about homelessness” again.