July 11, 2019 | Vol. 5, Issue 28
Dear Washingtonians,
Last week, at the groundbreaking of the Ward 1 short-term family housing facility, I was introduced by Claudia, a DC resident who experienced homelessness and found the support she needed at our program in Ward 4.
She told us at the groundbreaking: "I am a mother. I am a college graduate. I am a teacher. I am a friend. I am definitely a mentor. And with all of these things under my belt, I still found myself homeless. And it was something that I did not foresee…But I can honestly tell you that a place like The Kennedy, which is in the Petworth area, was so helpful to me."
With her story, Claudia represents so many Washingtonians who are deserving of a second chance and deserving of a dignified and service-enriched landing spot that helps them get back on their feet.
Four years ago, we launched a bold plan to end homelessness – a citywide solution to a citywide challenge. Since then, we’ve made tremendous progress, driving down overall homelessness by 22% and family homelessness by 45%. This progress is the result of residents in every part of our city coming together to be part of the solution.
Now, as we continue to build on our efforts to end homelessness, I have set another ambitious goal for our city. To solve our housing challenges, we need more housing – in fact, we need about 36,000 new homes over the next six years, with at least a third of those homes affordable. To get there, we once again need citywide solutions to a citywide challenge.
Over the past four and a half years, we have gotten more affordable housing dollars out the door than ever before. On Monday, we announced the completion of a Vacant to Vibrant project - four new affordable family-sized townhomes in Shaw. Tomorrow, I’ll join residents in celebrating the preservation of nearly 400 affordable homes in the Worthington Woods Apartments. But there is more work to do.
We know that cities cannot solve our housing challenges alone; that is why I have and will continue to call on the federal government to do more to solve our nation’s housing crisis. But 2025 will be here before we know it, and so locally we must act with urgency and work together – in every ward and every neighborhood – to build 36,000 new homes.
Sincerely,
 Mark your calendars: Mayor Bowser will host the District's Second Annual Maternal and Infant Health Summit at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Tuesday, September 10, 2019.
The summit will be an opportunity for DC residents, elected officials, and health care professionals to explore strategies to improve perinatal health and address racial disparities in birth outcomes. For more information, go to dcmaternalhealth.com or call (202) 442-8150.
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 The Metropolitan Police Department's Recruiting Division is excited to host the MPD Recruiting Fair on Saturday, July 13, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the Metropolitan Police Academy (4665 Blue Plains Drive, SW).
Meet the members of MPD’s specialized units and MPD leadership. Learn more about the team that keeps our city safe
and how you can become a part of it.
Register at BecomeMPD.com/fair
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 On Thursday, July 18, join Mayor Bowser and DC Vote for a Young Professionals Happy Hour in celebration of DC Statehood Month.
The hearing on DC Statehood will be on Wednesday, July 24. Show up to the happy hour and then be there again for the historic Congressional Hearing at the Rayburn House Office Building (Room 2154).
Learn more HERE.
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 As seniors engage in a more digitally connected life, the Bowser Administration and Connect.DC have started offering workshops for the District’s senior population. Our goal is to help older District residents navigate the digital landscape and make technology relevant in their daily lives.
Upcoming workshops:
Smartphone 101 Workshop: Saturday, July 13, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Ebenezer United Methodist Church (400 D Street, SE) and Monday, July 15, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Deanwood Recreation Center (1350 49th Street, NE)
Social Media 101 Workshop: Thursday, July 18, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Deanwood Recreation Center (1350 49th Street, NE)
For a full calendar of workshops visit connect.dc.gov/seniors.
Many of our programs are offered at senior wellness centers and at District of Columbia public libraries. If you’re interested in hosting a workshop for seniors, call Adrian Sutton at (202) 826-3436. Residents can also text SENIORS to 83224 to receive updates on upcoming workshops and events.
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This week’s District Minute features stories about the new Ward 1 short-term family housing and the release of the National League of Cities affordable housing report.
 The Office of Unified Communications (OUC) consolidates the District's 911 and 311 call activities from the Metropolitan Police Department, Fire and Emergency Medical Services, and customer service operations. The mission of OUC is to provide a fast, professional, and cost-effective response to emergency and non-emergency calls in Washington, DC.
OUC has an opening for a telecommunications transcriptionist. This position is responsible for the research and reproduction of audio tapes and printed records. All details regarding this vacancy, including qualifications, can be found by visiting the job announcement.
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