Update from DHS: COVID-19 Briefing for Providers and Partners

DHS Providers and Partners –

We hope this note finds you well and staying safe. In recognition of Juneteenth, DHS will host its next provider and partner briefing on Friday, June 26 at 2 PM instead of today. We mark Juneteenth as a celebration of freedom as well as a sober recognition of the legacy of racial inequity, which has been especially laid bare by coronavirus pandemic.

In place of a call, we wanted to share the following updates:

• 2020 Point-In-Time (PIT) Count: On Friday, June 12 Mayor Bowser announced the results of the District's 2020 PIT Count. You can learn more here. ​Many thanks to The Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness (TCP) for their organization of the count and analysis of the results.
• Re-Opening: As the District prepares to enter Phase 2 of Re-Opening, DHS operations will largely remain the same. We hope to have updates next week from our federal partners about our public benefit waiver request. Please stay tuned for more information on technology enhancements to our client experiences.
• New Emergency Solutions Grants Funding: Last week, HUD awarded the District an additional $23 million in Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Program for a total of $27.6M in ESG funding. These funds will be used to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness in response to the COVID public health emergency and will help the continuum of care address the spending pressures facing us in FY21. The Department of Human Services and Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH) are working on a proposal for this funding and will share with the community for feedback.
• Additional Shower Facilities and Food Distribution Sites: This week, we opened the Banneker Rec Center to provide shower access for residents experiencing homelessness. Like at the DDSC, access will be by appointment only. Appointments are available from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 202-673-6861. In addition, the following two ​meal distribution sites started this week and will remain available for the foreseeable future:
  • The Father McKenna Center: To-go meals will be provided Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 900 North Capitol Street, NW (in front of St. Aloysius Church),
  • HIPS: To-go meals will be provided Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11 to 1 p.m. at 906 H Street NE
• Renovation of Franklin Park: The planned renovation of Franklin Park will begin on July 1, 2020. Attached is a copy of signage that DGS will post this week. The attached presentation shares information about park construction and the alternate ​plan to accommodate volunteer organizations who have used the park for distribution of food and donations on the weekends: the Vermont Ave site will be up-and-running on Saturday, July 11.​ We are grateful to DowntownDC BID for ensuring the continuity of services such as meals and clothing distribution.

For the latest information on the District’s coronavirus (COVID-19) response, please visit https://coronavirus.dc.gov which is updated regularly.

Human Services Data is available here: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/page/human-services-agency-covid-19-case-data

For the latest information on DHS operations, please visit: https://dhs.dc.gov/page/dhs-modified-operations-during-covid-19.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to the residents of the District. 

• Franklin Park Renovation Sign June 2020.PNG
• Franklin Park Closure Briefing 031120.pdf