Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of hosting the Unity Kickball Game, anl event aimed at bringing our community together. This month has been filled with activities designed to unify us, especially following the recent election. It's been great to see so many of you come out, engage, and share in the spirit of togetherness.

As your Councilmember, I believe in leadership that goes beyond policy-making and legislation. It is about taking the time to connect with each one of you, listening to your concerns, and understanding your needs. Our recent events have provided invaluable opportunities for me to hear directly from you about what matters most in our community. Your voices guide my work and inspire our collective efforts to build a better Ward 8.

We are living in challenging times, with so much happening in our world that weighs heavily on our hearts, these events underscore the importance of a responsive and compassionate local government that prioritizes the safety and well-being of its residents.

Now, more than ever, we must push our local government to listen to the cries of the people. It is through unity and collective action that we can bring about meaningful change. Together, we can ensure that our voices are heard, our needs are met, and our community thrives. Thank you for your continued support and for standing together as we navigate these times.

Peace and love,

Trayon White, Sr.
Councilmember, Ward 8

The Department of Public Works (DPW) is thrilled to announce that its 3rd Quarterly Community Conversation is scheduled for Wednesday, August 21st at 6:30 pm. DPW is committed to inclusivity and responsiveness and prioritizes input from residents and constituents. To achieve this, DPW is reaching out to ANCs, BIDs, MOCRs, Civic Associations, and Council Constituent Service Staff to gather questions and concerns from their constituents regarding DPW services. Constituent insights are essential in helping DPW address the needs and priorities of the communities effectively.

To streamline this process, DPW has created a Microsoft Forms link where constituents can submit questions and concerns. Constituents are encouraged to share the Microsoft Forms link below for submissions. All submissions should be submitted by Tuesday, July 30th, as the submission form will close promptly at 11:59 PM. Additionally, DPW requests that the registration link be shared to encourage constituents to register and join the meeting by clicking the Teams logo below.

DPW genuinely appreciates participation and collaboration in shaping the dialogue around its services. Constituent input is invaluable as DPW strives to better serve the communities. Please don't hesitate to reach out if there are any questions or further assistance is required.

DC Water Wants to Hear From You!

 DC is inviting customers to take part in the utility’s 2024 Voice of the Customer Survey between now and August 11. DC Water will use the feedback to identify areas to enhance its services. If you haven’t received the survey invitation via email, you are still welcome to contribute by accessing the survey at https://bit.ly/DCWSurvey or by scanning the QR Code. The survey is concise, requiring approximately 5 minutes to complete. This is an opportunity for you to express your views and suggest improvements.

We also would like to request that you please include this survey in your constituent newsletters and other communications.

The Office of Councilmember White hosted the "Resources to the Block" event in the Henson Ridge neighborhood. We brought resources directly to the Henson Ridge community—free produce, health screenings, and educational tools, empowering our neighbors one block at a time.

Disability Pride Month is an annual event celebrated in recognition of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990.

The Center for Accessibility at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library is hosting a variety of signature events to celebrate the anniversary of this landmark legislation throughout the month of July 2024- along with some events around your neighborhood! Explore the events below to help us celebrate Disability Pride at DC Public Library!

*For reasonable accommodations to participate in these or any DCPL programs, please contact [email protected] or 202-727-2142.

July 17, 2024

The Constituent Service team attended the Design Reveal Gallery and Concert at Sycamore and Oak. The gallery featured an outdoor exhibit showcasing the progress of the new library and inviting community feedback. The team was inspired by seeing over 100 community members engaged and offering additional suggestions to ensure the library meets the needs of the community.

The new library promises to be a vibrant addition to the community, providing spaces to relax, read a book, meet with friends, and enjoy the sky view through its wood and glass structure. Unlike the current library located within The Shops at Park Village shopping plaza on Alabama Ave, this new facility will feature meeting rooms, study spaces, and access to advanced technology such as podcasting and other media tools.

We are eagerly anticipating the development of the Parkland Turner Library. This 20,000-square-foot library will be built right at the Congress Heights metro station at 1290 Alabama Ave SE. Construction is slated to begin in 2025, with the grand opening expected in the fall of 2027. 

Here are some resources frequently used to assist residents with keeping their utilities on.  

Please keep in mind, our Constituent Services Department cannot turn on utilities that haven't been paid for months, those who have not kept their end of the contract to pay, or most utilities that owe $2,000 or more without a significant agreement to pay a reconnect portion. 

By taking proactive steps and knowing where to seek help, you can manage your utility bills more effectively and avoid disconnection. Don’t wait for a disconnection to seek advice. Take control now to keep your Pepco and other utilities on.

Steps to Prevent Disconnection:

1. Stay Informed: Make sure to read all communication from Pepco. They will notify you well in advance if your service is at risk of disconnection. Look for those Yellow or Pink envelopes, read it and respond!  If they call, speak with them to avoid disruption.
2. Payment Plans: If you’re struggling to pay your bill, contact Pepco immediately to set up a payment plan. They offer flexible payment arrangements that can help you manage your bills.
3. Budget Billing: Enroll in Pepco’s Budget Billing program to spread your energy costs evenly throughout the year, making it easier to manage payments during high-usage months.
4. Financial Assistance Programs: Check if you qualify for financial assistance programs such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or the Utility Discount Program (UDP).
5. Energy Efficiency Programs: Take advantage of Pepco’s energy efficiency programs to reduce your energy consumption and lower your bills.

Resources for Assistance if Disconnected:

1. Emergency Assistance:
   • LIHEAP: The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides emergency assistance to households in need. You can apply through the Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) in Washington, DC.  Here is the application https://doee.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/ddoe/service_content/attachments/LIHEAP-UDP%20application%20QR%20code%2009.20.pdf
   • Utility Discount Program (UDP): This program provides a discount on your energy bill for eligible low-income customers.

2. Payment Assistance Programs:

1. • The Office of the People’s Counsel has helped overburdened utilities customers enter payment plans and get their utilities restored.  Go to their website https://opc-dc.gov/consumer-assistance/utilities-help/ or call 202-727-3071
   • Greater Washington Urban League may pay up to $500.00 to keep your utilities on use this weblink https://www.gwul.org/emergency-services or call them at            202-792-2554
   • The Salvation Army:  Located at 2300 MLK JR Ave SE Offers emergency financial assistance to those in need. You can walk in or call them at 202-678-9770 x4 or email them at [email protected]
   • Strong Families (DC Dept of Human Services): Provides utility assistance to families in crisis. Call them at 202-698-4293

3. Negotiating Reconnection:

1. • Contact Pepco: Reach out to Pepco customer service immediately to explain your situation and negotiate a plan for reconnection. They are often willing to work with customers facing financial hardships.
   • Contact the Office of the People’s Counsel: They can help to advocate on your behalf to negotiate with utility companies and find resources to cover your bills.

4. Legal Assistance:

1. • Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia: Provides free legal services to low-income residents, including assistance with utility disputes.
   • Neighborhood Legal Services Program (NLSP): Offers free legal help to DC residents in need, which can include utility issues.

Contact Information:

• Pepco Customer Service: 1-202-833-7500
• LIHEAP: DOEE LIHEAP Information https://doee.dc.gov/liheap Dial 311
• Utility Discount Program (UDP): DC UDP Information https://doee.dc.gov/node/9402
• Legal Aid Society of DC: www.legalaiddc.com 
• Neighborhood Legal Services Program: www.nlsp.org