Dear Ward 8 Residents,
The District is facing a serious challenge that could profoundly impact our community. The House Republicans have passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) that would slash $1 billion from our local budget over the next six months, forcing deep cuts to essential services.
This means furloughs for teachers, first responders, sanitation workers, and many others who keep our city running. The good news is that DC officials and grassroots organizations have mobilized quickly to fight back. Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton, Mayor Muriel Bowser, and DC Councilmembers took to Capitol Hill to demand fair treatment for our city.
Community groups like FreeDC, the Fair Budget Coalition, and the Washington Teachers Union have worked tirelessly to ensure Congress understands the stakes. Thanks to this collective effort, some Senate Democrats have pledged to oppose this harmful measure, but the fight isn’t over. We must stay engaged and ensure that any final resolution protects DC from unfair budget restrictions.
A vote on the CR is expected today.
All the best,
The Ward 8 Council Office
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LIHEAP NO LONGER ACCEPTING NEW APPLICATIONS
The FY25 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is no longer accepting new applications due to funding depletion. The program ended accepting new applications on Friday, March 7th at 11:59pm. DOEE will continue to process pending LIHEAP applications as well as take in-person appointments, where the appointments were made prior to March 7th. To continue serving District residents, we will also continue to process applications for the District’s Utility Discount Programs (UDP) and work with residents to direct them to other organizations who provide similar resources.
As noted above, residents will still be able to access utility assistance programs like the Utility Discount Programs, which help reduce monthly utility costs and which do not rely on LIHEAP funding. If your office receives calls from residents, we recommend that you encourage them to apply for the Utility Discount Programs through DOEE’s online assistance portal at https://doee.dc.gov/node/9402. Residents may also call 311 for assistance with their applications.
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DMV's Self-Service Emissions Test Kiosk in Fort Stanton Celebrates One Year of Operations
Throughout Fiscal Year 2024, DMV inspected more than 150,000 vehicles, including 13,698 inspections conducted at our self-service kiosks at the Takoma (13,086) and Fort Stanton Recreation Centers (612).
The Fort Stanton kiosk, which is now celebrating a year in operation, is the newest offering that allows District residents to perform their own vehicle emissions tests on a 24-hour, seven days per week basis.
The ATM-style kiosk includes touch screen technology, an integrated VIN bar code scanner, step-by-step audio support and other user-friendly features.
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March 14, 2025
Five-Alarm Fire at 425 Atlantic Street Displaces Families
A five-alarm fire broke out at 425 Atlantic Street at 8:25 am on Friday, displacing four families and sending two individuals to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The fire was contained to the second floor, and fortunately, there were no casualties.
The Director of Constituent Services, Monique Diop, quickly responded to the scene to gather information and provide support to affected residents. Local agencies are working to assist displaced families with temporary housing and necessary services. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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March 13, 2025
The READY Center and CSOSA Host Resource Fair for Returning Citizens
This week, The READY Center, in collaboration with the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), hosted a successful resource fair aimed at supporting returning citizens. The event featured dozens of agencies, offering a wide range of services to help residents transition successfully back into the community.
The fair provided access to essential resources such as employment opportunities, workforce development programs, and medical services. Participants were able to connect with local organizations dedicated to helping returning citizens rebuild their lives and regain their footing.
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March 12, 2025
Ward 8 Town Hall: Chairman Mendelson Addresses Budget Cuts, Housing, and Education Concerns
Ward 8 residents gathered at Living Word Church for a Town Hall with DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson and the Anacostia Coordinating Council. The discussion focused on the U.S. House’s proposed $1 billion budget cut to DC, its impact on essential services, the city’s housing crisis, education, and more.
Residents called for stronger action against slum landlords and more investment in local schools. Chairman Mendelson reaffirmed his commitment to protecting funding and ensuring accountability. The event highlighted Ward 8’s demand for leadership and equitable solutions amid financial challenges.
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March 11, 2025
Ward 8 Budget Engagement Forum Recap
The Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative, the Ward 8 Health Council, and the Ward 8 Council Office recently hosted the Ward 8 Budget Engagement Forum at the Anacostia Library. The event, attended by approximately 30 community members, aimed to educate residents on the District’s budget process and empower them to advocate for their needs effectively.
FSFSC Board Member Sheila Bunn, Ward 8 Health Council Chair Jaren Hill Lockridge, and DC Council Chief of Staff Wanda Lockridge led a discussion, including key aspects of the budget cycle. They outlined the timeline for when the Mayor’s budget proposal will be submitted to the Council, important dates for committee budget hearings, and how residents can participate in the testimony process.
Attendees were offered resources to assist with writing testimonies and strategies to effectively advocate for funding priorities that impact Ward 8. The forum also provided a platform for residents to voice their concerns and gain a deeper understanding of how local funding decisions are made.
Additional budget engagement events are planned in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more opportunities to learn, engage, and make your voice heard in the budget process.
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