May 19, 2016 | Volume 2, Issue 19
Dear
Washingtonians,
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.
Sincerely,
Last
week, the New
Columbia Statehood Commission (NCSC) released its draft Constitution and hosted its
first working group meeting to take DC a step closer toward
statehood.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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