The UPDATE | November 10, 2021

Committee on Human Services Holds Hearing on Housing Investments and Pandemic Recovery

Today, the Committee on Human Services heard comments from the public--including DC Action Executive Director Kimberly Perry--on the DC Department of Human Services’ implementation of federal investments in housing and pandemic recovery. Kim’s testimony focused on the continued need for mental health assistance for youth and young adults who are homeless or housing insecure. The Department of Human Services has pledged to use federal investment to create a trauma team to better support young people, but no details on implementation have been released yet. In order to provide effective care and services to young people experiencing homelessness, we need to ensure that we are helping them deal with the multitude of emotional and psychological challenges related to their circumstances and family situations. We need transparency from DHS about how they intend to provide trauma care alongside housing assistance for youth.

The DC Girls Coalition Invites Youth to Share Solutions with Policymakers

The DC Girls Coalition invites DC youth to participate in a community education forum, tonight, from 5pm-7pm via zoom. Young people will have the opportunity to talk one-on-one with District leaders to discuss their concerns about conditions in the city for young people and propose their ideas for improvement. Participating youth will receive a $20 stipend. It’s not too late to sign up. Contact Kristi Matthews at kmatthews@blackswanacademy.org.

The Journey Continues to Pay Equity in Early Learning

With a monumental win from the most recent DC Council budget season, Under 3 DC hosted a November Community Meeting for child care teachers to discuss concerns around compensation and benefits. As the District moves forward with creating an equitable compensation scale, educators shared stories of their commitment to increasing their credentials and their extraordinary personal sacrifice. Seventy educators and advocates participated in the conversation, which featured special guests At Large Councilmember Robert White and Ward 7 Councilmember Vince Gray. Both councilmembers gave brief remarks and listened to participants before committing to stay engaged in the compensation process and engaged in the campaign for pay equity.