Breakfast links: DC could reform troubled rapid housing program
Wilson Building in Downtown DC by Lawrence G. Miller licensed under Creative Commons.
DC Council to consider rapid rehousing reform bill
The short-term housing subsidy program has received substantial criticism from advocacy groups for failing to provide lasting solutions for people who have experienced homelessness. Currently, only 3% of people who receive rental subsidies are able to afford to live on their own after their one-year term expires, according to Amber Harding of The Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless. (Amanda Michelle Gomez / DCist)
Virginia Railway Express may extend its “fare-free” program to October for Virginia riders
The railway wants to remove fares in Zones 2 and 3 to encourage new riders to take them as an alternative to the Metro, which will be shut down for Alexandria riders starting September 10. They hope to use federal pandemic funds to pay for it. (Vernon Miles / ALXNow)
DC could be first city in the US to make discrimination against homelessness illegal
The DC Council passed the Human Rights Enhancement Amendment Act that would protect people experiencing homelessness from discrimination in the workplace, housing, educational institutions, and public transportation, among other instances. It would also create anti-discrimination and sensitivity training for law enforcement. It needs mayoral and Congressional approval before going into effect. (Jasper Smith / DCist. Tip: Chester B.)
At least two fires erupted at RFK Stadium
DC Fire and EMS crews are investigating what caused the basement-level fires at the empty stadium around 5:30 pm on Tuesday. No one was found at the site or reported injured. (Jose Umana / WTOP)
Montgomery Housing Opportunity Commission’s new executive director starts Monday
The organization, which provides supportive services to low-income residents and operates affordable housing projects in the county, will be led by Chelsea Andrews, who currently oversees a HUD-designated continuum of care organization in San Francisco. She also created a course and teaches about housing segregation in the Black community at the University of Maryland. (Christine Zhu / Bethesda Beat)
Church now supports 473-unit affordable housing project in Arlandia
The project was modified after St. Rita Catholic Church objected to the inclusion of features near their playground such as loading docks, which have now been replaced by a publicly accessible walkway. It now has the church’s approval and has been approved by the planning commission. (James Cullum / ALXNow)
232-unit affordable housing project for elderly individuals proposed in Chantilly
Located near Centreville Road, the project would include on-site doctors, physical therapists, a pharmacy, an adult day care center, and other services and facilities designed for aging adults. The site was previously approved for a hotel. (Fatimah Wasseem / FFXNow)
Silver Spring may get a 359-unit apartment complex, replacing a one-story office building
The project includes both apartment buildings and townhouses and would be close to the Flash bus rapid transit station. At least 15% of the units would be affordable housing. The Montgomery County Planning Board will consider the plan this week. (Caitlynn Peetz / Bethesda Beat)
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