Dear Ward 8 Residents,

This week, I supported an emergency bill to raise the minimum pay for early childhood educators, securing $70 million in annual funding through FY 2028.

In Ward 8 and other underserved communities, childcare workers are often women of color, who deserve a living wage that reflects their hard work and dedication. 

By ensuring minimum salaries for assistant and lead teachers, we are addressing historical inequities and helping our families thrive economically.  Higher wages mean more financial stability for workers and better outcomes for the children in their care. 

This is not just about pay; it’s about attracting and retaining the best educators to invest in our children’s futures and communities. As costs rise in DC, this update is essential for educators to thrive in our neighborhoods.

We can create a brighter future through equity, economic justice, and vital early childhood education.


Respectfully, 

Trayon White, Sr.
Councilmember, Ward 8

Councilmember Trayon White, Sr. Introduces the
“Unit Renovation Assistance Program
for Seniors Act of 2024”

Councilmember Trayon White, Sr. is taking a vital step toward enhancing the living conditions of its senior residents with the introduction of the “Unit Renovation Assistance Program for Seniors Act of 2024.” This groundbreaking legislation aims to provide subsidies for senior renters to update their living spaces, whether in subsidized or unsubsidized facilities. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need to support our aging population by improving their housing conditions and overall quality of life.

The Unit Renovation Assistance Program for Seniors is designed to address the specific needs of seniors living in rental units. Key components of the program include:

Eligible seniors will receive financial assistance to make necessary updates and repairs to their rental units. This could include modifications for accessibility, kitchen and bathroom upgrades, or general maintenance.

The program places a strong emphasis on ensuring that living spaces are safe and accessible for seniors. This may involve installing grab bars, widening doorways, or adding non-slip flooring to reduce the risk of falls.

The program is inclusive, providing assistance to seniors living in both subsidized and unsubsidized housing. This approach ensures that all seniors, regardless of their economic status, can benefit from the program.

As our population ages, many seniors face the challenge of living in outdated or unsafe housing conditions. The Unit Renovation Assistance Program for Seniors is crucial for several reasons:

By providing the means to update their living spaces, this program helps seniors maintain their independence and comfort in their homes. Improved living conditions can lead to better physical and mental well-being.

Many seniors wish to remain in their homes as they age. By offering assistance for necessary renovations, the program supports the concept of “aging in place,” allowing seniors to live in familiar environments while receiving the support they need.

Aging in poorly maintained or inaccessible housing can pose significant health risks. The program addresses these issues directly, helping to create safer living environments and reducing the likelihood of accidents and health complications.

Upgrading living spaces can also enhance community ties. Seniors who feel comfortable and secure in their homes are more likely to engage with their neighbors and participate in community activities, fostering a stronger sense of belonging.

The introduction of the “Unit Renovation Assistance Program for Seniors Act of 2024” demonstrates a strong commitment from Councilmember Trayon White, Sr. to prioritize the needs of the aging population. This legislation not only recognizes the challenges that many seniors face but also actively works to provide solutions that enhance their living conditions and overall quality of life.

Councilmember Trayon White, Sr. Introduces the
“Seniors with Disabilities Relocation
Subsidy Act of 2024”

Councilmember Trayon White, Sr. has introduced the “Seniors with Disabilities Relocation Subsidy Act of 2024,” which is a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at supporting senior renters with disabilities in the District of Columbia. This act seeks to establish the Seniors with Disabilities Relocation Subsidy Program, providing much-needed assistance to help these individuals access and maintain affordable housing options.

The Seniors with Disabilities Relocation Subsidy Program is designed to address the unique challenges faced by seniors with disabilities, including:

The program will offer subsidies to help cover moving expenses, security deposits, and rental costs, making it easier for seniors with disabilities to relocate to suitable, affordable housing.

In addition to financial aid, the program will prioritize housing options that meet accessibility standards, ensuring that seniors can live comfortably and safely.

The initiative aims to help seniors remain in affordable housing units, which is crucial in a city where rising rents can lead to displacement.

By providing financial support, this program empowers seniors with disabilities to make housing choices that best suit their needs, fostering independence and dignity.

Many seniors face the risk of being forced out of their homes due to unaffordable rents. This legislation helps prevent displacement, ensuring that seniors can remain in their communities.

Councilmember Trayon White, Sr.'s introduction of this act highlights his commitment to ensuring that all seniors in the District of Columbia have access to safe, affordable housing. 

Participants Graduate from the Atonement Project.

This week, Councilmember Trayon White and his constituent services team attended the graduation ceremony for participants of the Atonement Project and eight-month program at the DC Jail. This transformative initiative focuses on self-development and atonement, with a strong emphasis on ending senseless violence in our communities.

Beware of Rental Scammers.

We all know affordable housing is in high demand but can be difficult to find. Unfortunately, scammers are taking advantage of this need by posting fraudulent rental advertisements. Recently, one of our Ward 8 seniors was scammed out of $1,240 by someone pretending to be the landlord of a house advertised on Marketplace. After viewing the property, the senior sent the money via Zelle, only to discover that the home was actually owned by Open Door Homes, a company that *only sells* properties and does not rent them out.

Protect yourself from rental scams by following these tips:
1. Do not pay cash upfront.
2. Avoid using apps like Cash App or Zelle for rental payments.
3. Do not conduct rental transactions over the phone.
4. Ask questions to verify the legitimacy of the property and landlord.

If you encounter a suspicious rental ad or have been a victim of a scam, contact Louise Thorne, Constituent Services Specialist, in the Office of Councilmember Trayon White Sr. at (202) 724-8045.

Stay safe and stay informed.

Building a Supportive Cohort for Teens.

On October 16th, Councilmember White's constituent services staff participated in a breakout session focused on creating a supportive cohort for teens aged 15 to 23. The initiative aims to engage young people through programming that emphasizes positive reinforcement and skill development as they transition into adulthood.

Key goals include enhancing collaboration among community partners and organizations to strengthen support systems for youth. Upcoming steps involve identifying stakeholders, designing tailored programming, and scheduling follow-up meetings to ensure progress and adapt strategies based on community feedback.

Engaging Students with Career Exploration at Training Grounds.

On Friday, October 11, Constituent Services Director Monique Diop visited Training Grounds to connect with the community's youth while local schools were closed for Parent-Teacher Conference Day. 

During the visit, she had the opportunity to engage with special guests from NASA, who shared insights into space exploration, IT, and aviation careers, highlighting how cutting-edge technology is shaping the future.

The Training Grounds instructor also showcased programs designed for individuals with and without degrees, emphasizing sustainable career paths that align with the needs and opportunities in our region.

This visit showed the importance of exposing students and residents to diverse career options and the value of lifelong learning. Our office is excited to continue fostering partnerships that open doors for professional growth in our community.

Exciting updates on Capital Projects from DPR.

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is moving forward with several exciting capital projects to enhance recreational spaces across the District, which is part of the Ward 8 projects. These initiatives align with the 20-year Ready2PlayDC Vision and Framework—a long-term plan to address inequities in the park system and ensure every neighborhood has access to high-quality recreational spaces. Learn more at www.ready2playdc.com.

During a recent update, Tommie Jones from DPR and Bret Sisco, DPR's Capital Projects Officer, shared progress on 13 key projects. Here are a few that stood out:

• Bald Eagle Recreation Center: Newly funded basketball court renovation and HVAC upgrades.
• Fort Stanton Recreation Center: Athletic field renovation
• Lights for the basketball court at Oxon Run
• New Anacostia Rec Center (behind Ketcham Elementary): Opening in Spring 2025, with the capability to operate independently for 72 hours during power outages.
• Anacostia Outdoor Pool Replacement: Work begins in late summer 2025, with a planned reopening by Memorial Day 2026.
• NetZero Congress Heights Recreation Center: A brand-new center will replace the current field house, featuring an indoor 6-lane pool, gymnasium, e-gaming center, community store, and more.
• Ferebee Hope Boxing Annex: Expected to open by the end of 2025.

These projects reflect DPR's commitment to building vibrant, sustainable spaces where residents can gather, play, and thrive.

Did you miss the update?

Catch the full presentation on YouTube at https://wardupdates.splashthat.com. Stay tuned for more updates as these exciting projects come to life.