 The Mayor’s Office on Veterans Affairs ("MOVA") is launching a pilot transportation program for District of Columbia veterans with the Department of For-Hire Vehicles. Program eligibility is restricted to veteran residents of Washington DC with an annual income of less than $30,000. Documentation evidencing eligibility may be requested by MOVA. The purpose of this program is to ensure that this population has access to the medical, educational, employment and other opportunities that they require.
Program participants may only use Program rides for the following:
-
Employment opportunities: limited to job interviews, job fairs, recruitment events, and other similar opportunities, and does not include commuting to and from work
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Educational opportunities: limited to college courses, college prep courses, GED courses, apprenticeship programs, and other professional licensure courses
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Medical treatment and/or similar appointments
To register for VetsRide, a veteran must sign-up in person at the Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs. Ensure you bring proof of DC residency, DD-214, NGB-22, or VA Card, and a statement of your annual income. All veterans must also have a current DCNetwork account, which can be created or updated at the Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs.
The Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs is located at:
441 4th Street NW, Suite 870 North
Washington, DC 20001
202-724-5454
Pride Month LGBTQ Veteran Round Table
 In recognition of Pride Month, The Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs (MOVA) and The Mayor's Office of LGBTQ Affairs hosted a DC Veterans LGBTQ Roundtable. We were joined by several veterans, veteran service organizations, community activists, and other allies. We also had a special presentation from Monica Palacio, Director of the Office of Human Rights.
Thank you to all of the LGBTQ Veterans who joined us!
Barracks Row
&
Palisades Parades
 On July 4, 2018, the Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs joined Mayor Bowser and residents from All 8 Wards at the Barracks Row Parade and later at the Palisades Parade. Thank you to all of the veterans and residents who joined, watched, and celebrated with us!
After the Palisades Parade, Mayor Bowser cut the ribbon on the new Palisades Recreation Center. Click here to learn more.
The Home Purchase Assistance (HPAP) program provides interest-free loans and closing cost assistance to qualified applicants to purchase single family houses, condominiums, or cooperative units. The loan amount is based on a combination of factors, including income, household size, and the amount of assets that each applicant must commit toward a property’s purchase. The loan is subordinate to a private first trust mortgage.
As of 2017, eligible applicants can receive a maximum of $80,000 in gap financing assistance and an additional $4,000 in closing cost assistance. The HPAP 0% interest loan for borrowers with incomes below 80 percent of the area median income (AMI) is deferred until the property is sold, refinanced to take out equity, or is no longer their primary residence. Moderate-income borrowers who earn between 80 percent and 110 percent AMI will have payments deferred for five years with a 40 year principal-only repayment period.
The maximum first trust loan amount cannot exceed $417,000, the conventional conforming loan limit.
Letter
from the Mayor
Dear
Washingtonians,
Forty-two
months ago, our city committed to giving more Washingtonians a fair shot. We
committed to building a safer, stronger DC, to promoting and defending our DC
values, to expanding opportunities for our students and providing more families
with the resources and support they need to thrive, and to building more
pathways to the middle class for residents in all eight wards.
Together,
we have made incredible progress.
We have the DC
Infrastructure Academy to train DC residents for DC jobs. We have algebra in
every DCPS middle school. We have the Safer Stronger DC Office of Neighborhood
Safety and Engagement, which allows us to take a stronger community-oriented,
public health approach to violence prevention. We have the Immigrant Justice
Legal Services grant program to ensure that immigrants in our community know
their rights and have access to legal supports during a tumultuous political
climate. We have the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic
Opportunity which has helped bring the unemployment rates in Wards 7 and 8 to
historic lows as well as the Office of Federal and Regional Affairs which
allows us to make our voices heard on federal issues while we continue to fight
for statehood.
In short, we have
a lot to be proud of and more progress to make. Learn more about all our community
has accomplished in the new 42 Month Progress Report.
Sincerely,
 On
Tuesday, Mayor Bowser signed the District of Columbia Green Finance
Authority Establishment Act of 2018, officially making Washington, DC the first
city in the United States to establish a green bank, an innovative policy tool
that seeks to expand renewable energy, lower energy costs, reduce greenhouse
gas emissions, and create green jobs.
Green
Banks are capitalized with public funds which are then used to offer loans,
leases, credit enhancements, and other financing services to close funding gaps
for clean energy projects. By creating a Green Bank, DC will be able to
accelerate the deployment of clean energy technology by removing upfront costs,
leveraging private investment, and increasing the efficiency of public dollars.
Learn
more HERE.
This
week’s District
Minute
features stories about the Fourth of July, the new Palisades Recreation Center, the
ribbon-cutting at Audi Field, and the 89th MLB All-Star Game.
Connect with your Mayor!
Mayor Muriel Bowser
John A. Wilson Building | 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW | Washington DC, 20004
(202) 727-2643
muriel.bowser@dc.gov | mayor.dc.gov | @mayorbowser
Amazon
Web Services (AWS) is looking for aspiring and motivated individuals who align
with our Leadership Principles and have a military background for our upcoming
Technical Apprenticeship.
- TS Cleared Associate Cloud Consultant - interviewing August for a September start. The program will be in the greater DC area/Virginia.
-
Non Cleared Network Technician - interviewing September for an October start. The program will be in the greater DC area/Virginia.
The District of Columbia Infrastructure Academy (DCIA) is a key initiative of Mayor Muriel Bowser's Administration, led by the Department of Employment Services.
Infrastructure is one of the fastest growing industries in the country. DOES has opened the DC Infrastructure Academy to meet the need for skilled infrastructure professionals in Washington, DC.
DCIA coordinates, trains, screens and recruits residents to fulfill the needs of the infrastructure industry and infrastructure jobs with leading companies in this high-demand field. DCIA is located in the Anacostia neighborhood in Ward 8.
Programs and services include:
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Energy & Utilities
- Auto Mechanic Training
- OSHA 10
- Solar Panel Installation
- Interview Skills
- Job Fairs
- Job Referrals and more!
DC Infrastructure Academy Address:
2330 Pomeroy Road, SE
Washington, DC 20020
Closest Metro Station: Anacostia Metro Station
Closest Bus Lines: A33, W2, W3, W6, W8, and 94
For more information about opportunities to partner or to register for training call 202-899-6040 or email DCIA@dc.gov.
 For all DC Veterans
in search of employment. Transfer your skills and become certified for
free at SOME (So Others Might Eat) Center for Employment Training. SOME
CET provides training for careers as Medical Administrative Assistants and
Building Maintenance Service Technicians. Students earn occupational credentials
and certifications. Contact SOME to apply: 202-292-4460 or visit www.some.org/cet
Executive Service/Cabinet Positions
- Deputy Mayor for Education (DME)
- Chancellor, District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS)
- Chief Technology Officer
- Director, Department of Employment Services (DOES)
-
Executive Director – Commission on the Arts and Humanities
Senior Management/Policy Positions
- District of Columbia Food Policy Coordinator
-
Commissioner, Rental Housing Commission
- Chief of Staff - Office of Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining
- Chief Operating Officer – Department of General Services
- Deputy Director, District Department of Transportation
- General Counsel, Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Opportunity
- Senior Deputy Director - Health Emergency Response Preparedness Administration (HEPRA)
Policy and Program Specialist
- Public Information Officer, Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Opportunity
- Communications Specialist, Deputy Mayor for Education
- Community Outreach Assistant – Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services (MOCRS)
- Community Relations Specialist, Mayor’s Office on Community Relations and Services (MOCRS)
The D.C. Department of Employment Services is here to help veterans who need assistance finding employment. Check out their veterans services page to learn more about the veteran employment services DOES offers. Don't hesitate to reach out to them.
The DC Government is hiring Veterans! Below you will find this week’s list of current job openings in District government. If and when a job seeker decides to apply for one of the opportunities listed, please note that the easiest way to search for a particular job posting is to search by JOB ID # at https://careers.dc.gov.
Department of Energy and Environment
- Job ID # 3997 Environmental Protection Specialist
- Job ID # 4179 Grants and Contract Management Specialist
Fire and Emergency Medical Services
- Job ID # 4115 Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic
- Job ID # 4116 Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic
DC National Guard
- Job ID # 4077 Environmental Performance Assessment Specialist
- Job ID # 4078 Environmental Management System Specialist
DC Health
- Job ID # 4137 Public Health Analyst
Office of the Inspector General
- Job ID # 4106 Program Analyst
Department of Motor Vehicles
- Job ID # 4117 Hearing Support Manager
Office of Contracting and Procurement
- Job ID # Chief Contracting Officer
Metropolitan Police Department
Office of State Superintendent of Education
- Job ID # 4167 Motor Vehicle Operator
Department of Employment Services
- Job ID # 4165 Program Manager
Interested
in policy and politics? With the support
of 22 Members of Congress, HillVets is currently seeking applicants for House
of Representatives Fellowships.
 Energy impacts our natural ecosystem, human society, our day-to-day lives, and our shared prosperity. At Exelon, people do important work, and with a company that values inclusion, diversity, and professional development. Jobs below can be found at: www.exeloncorp.com/careers.
AmeriCorps is a great option for veterans who are
transitioning back into civilian life. National service programs, like
AmeriCorps, can build a bridge to careers, education, and more. It is a chance
to become part of a new community, gain experience and skills, and discover new
opportunities. AmeriCorps is a great way to keep serving your country and make
a difference in peoples’ lives.
Breaking the Silence Film Screening
 Join
MOVA, the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs and DC MPD for a screening of “Breaking
the Silence” at The Human Rights Campaign (1640 Rhode Island Ave NW) on July 18th. “Breaking the Silence” explores the lives of
five Oregon veterans and service members, who not only served their country
honorably, but were forced to serve in silence.
The Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs is hosting the National Veterans Legal Services Program for an information session on DD-214 Upgrades and Medical Retirement, followed by individual consultations with licensed attorneys. If you have questions about your discharge status or whether you qualify for medical retirement, come out and join us!
When & Where:
Friday, July 20th 9am – 3pm
441 4th Street, NW, Suites 1114 & 870 North
Know Your Rights-Tips for Veterans Info Brief: 9am – 10am in Conference Room 1114
Meet with an Attorney: 10am – 3pm in the MOVA Office, Room 870 North
Call 202-724-5454 for an appointment.
 The Department of Small and Local Business Development's Innovation & Equitable Development Office is partnering with the Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs to lead a 10-week entrepreneurial training and technical assistance series for DC small businesses summer 2018. This series will cover the basic Build a Dream curriculum and Small Business Group Technical Assistance topics.
Welcome Home Benefits Fair
 The Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center will hold its annual Welcome Home Benefits Fair for Veterans and transitioning service members on Saturday, July 28, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will be held in the Atrium and Transition and Care Management Welcome Center at the medical Center, 50 Irving Street, N.W. in Washington, D.C.
The Welcome Home Benefits Fair is held to honor Veterans of all eras by bringing a host of VA, local and community services together in one location at one time to provide a critical pathway to VA benefits and services as well as community resources and information. The event will also provide a one-stop venue for Veterans to enroll for VA health care; meet one-on-one with Veterans Benefits Administration and Veterans Service Organization representatives who will assist with VA claims and benefits; receive information from National Cemetery Administration representatives about burial and memorial services; and community and local government partners who will offer employment, mental health and reintegration support, legal assistance with DD-214 upgrade, criminal record sealing and expungement.
 |
The Armed Services
Arts Partnership (ASAP), in partnership with The Torpedo Factory Art Center,
are excited to host a comedy show featuring performers from the
veteran/military community. Join us for an evening of jokes and laughter at one
of the coolest art venues in the DC area.
 The Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs is launching a new Vietnam Veteran recognition program. If you are a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the period of November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of location, you are eligible to receive a Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin.
Additional details on our new program can be found here.
For more information, please call us at 202-724-5454.
 Please Note the July Veteran-Owned-Small Business Stakeholder meeting is cancelled due to the July 4th Holiday.
The Mayor's Office of Veteran's Affairs (MOVA) has partnered with the DC Department of Small & Local Business Development (DSLBD) to launch a monthly Veterans' Business Stakeholders meeting. The aim of this meeting is to build a stronger support for our local veteran businesses through government and community support. Overall, MOVA is exploring the creation of programs to better serve the needs of the District's vetreprenuers.
TOPIC: Managing an Ethical Business Entity & Fraud/Scam Prevention
Questions about small business government regulations, fraud/scam prevention and more? Come to ask questions and receive information from various city agencies and organizations on business principles.
Stakeholders will be treated to presentations from the Office of Human Rights (OHR), Better Business Bureau (BBB) Military and Veterans Initiative Program & more.
If you're a veteran entrepreneur that is interested in safeguarding your operations; this is the meeting for you!
For accessibility accommodation requests or if you have general questions, please reach out to Sharod.Wade@dc.gov.
 The Advisory Board serves as an advisory body to the Mayor, the Mayor's Office of Boards and Commissions, the Office of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Employment Services, the Department of Health, the Department of Human Services, and other District government departments, agencies, and offices on all matters pertaining to Veterans in the District of Columbia All meetings are open to the public - please come out and join us!
Time and Date:
August 7, 2018, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Location:
441 4th Street, Northwest
Conference Room 1114
Washington, DC 20001
Call In Information:
Dial in: 712-451-0862
Passcode: 821260
Capitol
Post's Startup School is a nine week Program where veterans and spouses can
test their ideas, accelerate and build their businesses with expert thought
leaders, mentors, and professionals. This program culminates with a pitch
competition and a cash prize. Offered twice per year. The next Startup
School cohort starts Wednesday, September 19, 2018.
The Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs Newsletter is distributed to over 8,000 subscribers every month. If you would like your event to be featured in our calendar, please submit the following details: what, when and where the event will take place. If available, please provide a link to direct readers to more online information. Please send all inquiries and posts to ova@dc.gov.
Director Ely S. Ross
202-724-5454
www.ova.dc.gov |
