December 4, 2020
Dear Washingtonians,
This week, we launched new Housing Stabilization Grants to offer financial relief to renters and housing providers who have been hit hard by this pandemic. For those who have lost their jobs or had their income reduced, we know that these are extremely difficult times. And while an eviction moratorium is still in place, we don't want renters to delay seeking help; we have financial assistance available right now that can help you get current on your rent payments.
The new grants will provide $10 million in direct assistance to housing providers to help cover missed rent payments. Here's how it works: the program will pay 80% of delinquent rent, up to $2,000 per month, if the housing provider forgives the rest. In addition to housing providers in the District's housing portfolio, the grants are also available to small housing providers with 20 units or fewer in their portfolio. Applications are open until December 11 and are being reviewed on a rolling basis.
The Housing Stabilization Grants recognize two critical needs in our community:
- the need to provide financial relief to tenants unable to pay rent; and
- the need to preserve the District’s stock of affordable housing by helping housing providers make their payments.
These grants are in addition to our existing rent relief programs such as the COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program (CHAP) and the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).
Residents and housing providers can find more information about the new grants, CHAP and ERAP, and other rental assistance programs at coronavirus.dc.gov/rent
Sincerely,
 This week, Mayor Bowser announced new asymptomatic COVID-19 testing protocols for students and staff participating in DC Public Schools (DCPS) in-person programming. This pilot for schools with CARE or In-Person Learning Classrooms will include in-school testing for students and mailed testing kits for staff. The pilot will begin next week, and tests are at no cost to students or staff.
DC Health will manage on-site testing of students who attend CARE Classrooms at their schools. Students may receive a PCR nasal-swab test, administered by DC Health medical staff, approximately every 10 days. A testing consent form signed by the student’s parent or guardian will be required, and schools will provide those documents to families.
DCPS staff and partner staff supporting CARE Classrooms in person will receive a self-administered testing kit in the mail once a week. Staff will not be required to complete the weekly test but are encouraged to utilize the convenience offered by this at-home method.
Learn more about the new testing protocols HERE.
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The Bowser Administration's annual “A Home for the Holidays” campaign seeks to transition 500 households experiencing homelessness into long-term housing during the holiday season. This year, there is a focus on vulnerable residents experiencing homelessness who are currently residing in hotels to protect them from the coronavirus (COVID-19).
The DC Department of Human Services (DHS) manages the campaign, which spans from November 15 through January 15. Housing providers who are interested in partnering with the District or who want to learn more about the supports DHS offers partners should email homefortheholidays@dc.gov.
Learn more about the campaign HERE.
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 EdFEST, DC’s annual public school fair, is virtual this year. On Saturday, December 12 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., students and families can explore the city’s public and public charter school options (Pre-K 3 – Grade 12), chat directly with school representatives, and learn about the public school lottery. With the launch of the public school lottery application on December 14, 2020, Virtual EdFEST is a timely event to help families make informed choices.
Register for EdFEST HERE. Need registration support? Call the My School DC Hotline at (202) 888-6336, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
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