Dear Ward 8 Residents,

I need you to complete the 2020 Census. This data is crucial in determining congressional representation, federal funding, and data that will impact communities for the next decade. This is why it is important to be counted.

US Census field operations will end one month early, -on September 30^th instead of October 31^st. This change to the schedule creates an even greater challenge to ensuring every DC resident is counted.

The shortened timeline disproportionately impacts low-income African Americans and immigrant households as many are in hard to count communities that rely on door to door census takers to collect information.

Take a few minutes to get counted now. #GetCountedDC ([link removed]) !
* Online: [link removed] ([link removed])
* Call: 1-844-330-2020

Regards,

Trayon White, Sr.
Councilmember, Ward 8
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** Quick Links
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* Learn more about COVID-19 testing sites available in the District. ([link removed])
* COVID-19 Specimen Submission Guidelines ([link removed])
* What's Open in Phase II? : [link removed]
* See Plans for New Hospital ([link removed])

ALERT!

Over the last few weeks, the Council has had some serious email issues due to user mailboxes getting compromised. This is a problem that has a big impact. The compromised phished mailboxes send millions of spam messages a day, which clogs up our email system and leads to the Council getting put on “blocklists” for sending spam.

Gmail account holders are the most impacted. Messages to Gmail users from the Council are winding up in the Gmail users spam folders, and some messages may get delayed or rejected. The Council is working with OCTO and Gmail to get off of the “blocklists” so that our mail goes through without issue.

If you are expected a response from our office, please check your spam and/or contact our office.

We apologize for the inconvenience.
In Case You Missed It ()
We understand that these are difficult times for many of our residents. The unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 public health emergency has led to an increased number of Unemployment Compensation claims filed in the District.
In an effort to support Ward 8 residents, we are working to help them with issues with escalations, delayed benefit payments and other related issues.
Fill Out This Form For Assistance
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On Wednesday, September 16, 2020, Councilmember Elissa Silverman (I-At-Large), Chair of the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development will hold a Public Oversight Hearing on the District’s unemployment compensation program during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Hearing will air on the DC Council's Live Stream channel ([link removed]) and TV Channel 13.

Those who wish to testify live must email the Committee at by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 14, 2020.

If you are unable to testify live, written and voicemail statements will be made a part of the official record. Statements should be submitted by email to or by calling (202) 455-0153 by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2020.

A complete hearing announcement along with instructions for submitting live testimony, as well as written or phone testimony, can be found here ([link removed]) and below.
Announcements ()


** The 2021 Dream Grants Information Session is
Wednesday, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Eligible businesses may be awarded up to $10,000
for use in growing their business in 2021.
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* Eligible businesses are licensed and headquartered in DC Wards 7 and 8, have fewer than five employees, and are majority-owned by residents of the Wards.
* DSLBD intends to award between 20 and 25 grants, of up $10,000 each, from the $200,000 in total available funding for 2021.

Deadline
The deadline to apply online is September 30, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Applications will only be accepted through the online application system.

Need Help Applying?
Sign up for an information session here:[link removed]

2021 Dream Grants Application & Resources ([link removed])
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REGISTER NOW:[link removed]
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If you cannot make rent, reach out to your housing provider or landlord, DHCD network of housing counseling organizations ([link removed]) , or the Office of the Tenant Advocate ([link removed]) .
Mayor Muriel Bowser and the District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) announced the relaunch of the DC Mortgage Assistance Program (DC MAP) to provide financial relief to District homeowners who have been affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Through DC MAP COVID-19, qualified borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 monthly toward their mortgage for up to six months.

DC MAP COVID-19 Relief ([link removed]) applicant qualifications are:
* Must be borrower’s primary residence and must be located in the District of Columbia.
* Must have been current as of the March 1, 2020 payment (prior to being affected by COVID-19).
* Must be able to document income affected due to COVID-19.
* Borrower must be the borrower on the home loan, not just a member of the household.
* Must show proof that the borrower is not eligible for forbearance or other types of relief offered through the servicer and/or Hardest Hit Funds.

District homeowners seeking assistance should call 1-833-429-0537 to begin the application process. Questions regarding DC MAP COVID-19 Relief can be emailed to [email protected].


** DDOT Paving Plan
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Mayor Muriel Bowser has committed to eliminating all poor quality roads in the District by 2024. As the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) works to meet this goal, it has taken into account road quality assessment and community requests allowing the department to first address the streets that are in greatest need and highest priority to the community. Keeping our roads in good condition provides maximum benefit to the traveling public by enhancing the safety of the roadway and improving the ride comfort of the road surface. View our weekly construction update ([link removed]) to find out where DDOT crews are scheduled to be working over the coming days.

For more information visit
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Watching The Curve ()
Click here to find a testing site in your area ([link removed])


Are you thinking about getting tested for COVID-19? The District is hosting several free testing sites – no appointment needed! Learn more and find a testing site near you, needatestgetatest.com ([link removed])
Who to Contact In Constituent Services? ()
Constituent Services Team Areas of Responsibility
Ward 8 residents experiencing issues or have related concerns with a government agency should email the Constituent Service representative who manages that government agency. For additional questions or concerns, please call our office at 202-724-8045.

Wendy Glenn: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Director, Constituent Services
Department of Employment Services
Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia
DCACL
ERCPCP/ACC Faith Leaders

Louise Thorne: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Constituent Services Specialist
DC Public Schools
DC Housing Authority
Department of Human Services
Utilities: Pepco, DC Water, Washington Gas
Office of the State Superintendent of Education

Eric Cleckley: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Constituent Services Specialist
District Department of Transportation
Department of Public Works
Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
Department of Energy and Environment

For all other constituent services concerns, please contact Wendy Glenn.

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Copyright © 2020 Council of the District of Columbia, All rights reserved.
Ward 8 Outreach

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