CHECK YOUR SPAM FOLDER!
 

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 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.

Dear Ward 8 Residents,

September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. This is a significant public health issue and one that is often highly stigmatized and taboo to discuss.

This month, we want to take the time to share resources in an effort to break that stigma.

Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background. We are committed to providing trauma-focused care and resources for residents in Ward 8. 

Check out these informational resources that may help. Know the warning signs and risk factors of suicide. 
 

Informational Resources


Be well and be safe, 



Trayon White, Sr.
Councilmember, Ward 8

Quick Links
In Case You Missed It
Eviction Townhall
On September 15th, hundreds of residents joined Councilmember Trayon White's virtual townhall on illegal evictions that streamed live on Zoom and FB Live.

Residents cannot be evicted for the duration of the public health emergency plus sixty days; nor can they be charged late fees for the duration of the public health emergency. Renters are encouraged, to the best of their ability, to stay current on rent. Rent increases are also prohibited during the COVID-19 public health emergency plus 60 days.

Participants in the townhall heard from presenters from government agency officials and non-profit organizations that informed them of their rental rights, rent assistance plans, and much more. Thank you to everyone that joined the call. 

Government Agencies:

·      Office of the Attorney General (OAG) – Jennifer Berger

·      Office of the Tenant Advocate (OTA) – Stephen Dudek

·      Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) – Anthony Diallo

·      DC Housing Authority (DCHA) – Darren Hester

·      DC Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) – Risha Williams

Non-profit Organizations:

·      Lydia’s House – Clifford Beckford

·      United Planning Organization (UPO) – Kathryn Pierson

·      Bread for the City – Aja Taylor

·      Housing Counseling Services, Inc. – Su Cheng
Behind on rent due to COVID-19?
Visit: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/rent to check out the rental assistance programs available to DC residents. Do not wait! Get help today.
Ward 8 Homebuyers Seminar
Schedule a 30-min session with a housing counselor.
http://tinyurl.com/w8followup
Around the Council
On September 15th, Councilmember Trayon White gave remarks on Bill 23-0508 "Elaine M. Carter Way Designation Act of 2019" and Bill 23-0538 "Elaine M. Carter Community Center Designation Act of 2019" that aims to symbolically honor Mrs. Elaine M. Carter in the following ways:
  • Rename Douglass Community Center, located at 1922 Frederick Douglass Court, SE in Ward 8, as the Elaine M. Carter Community Center and,
  • Rename Frederick Douglas Court, SE,  located in the square of 5880 in Ward 8 as the Elaine M. Carter Way. 
Ms. Elaine Carter, affectionately known as Ms. E, was a vibrant, steadfast, Washingtonian who resided in the Ward 8 community. 

Councilmember White stated, "Many people in the community referred to Ms. E as the "superwoman" of Ward 8. This is one reason I introduced this legislation to rename Douglass Community Center and Frederick Douglas Court, SE, as the Elaine M. Carter Way," he stated in the hearing.

"She deserves these honors and more. She devoted her life to helping the community by working as a community activist, political organizer, former President of the Resident Council at Stanton Dwellings, and a volunteer in so many different capacities," said Councilmember White.
Upcoming Hearings
Announcements
REGISTER NOW
Census 2020 Reminder

It's Not Too Late! 
You can still complete the census today.


Take the 2020 Census: https://2020census.gov
CLICK TO COMPLETE NOW.
Take This Unemployment Insurance Survey
Ward 8 Residents receiving or attempting to receive unemployment compensation benefits from the DC Department of Employment Services UI Claims Department should take this survey.
 
Unemployment Insurance Survey
The purpose of this survey from Councilmember Elissa Silverman (I-At-Large) is to gather information from DC workers that have used the District's Unemployment Insurance or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance programs so that we can improve their performance. This information will be used to inform our upcoming oversight hearing with the Department of Employment Services (DOES), and as part of our efforts to improve unemployment and workforce development programs.

(Click the image below to be directed to the survey)
Around the Ward
Addressing Concerns at Southern Hill Apartments
On Monday, September 14th, Councilmember Trayon White went to Southern Hills Apartments to address issues with maintenance, security, and a massive sinkhole located on the property that called for immediate action.

The sinkhole at Southern Hills runs the entire length and width of the front of the building. Pictured is one of three boards that are temporarily covering up the sinkhole. 

Councilmember White dispatched the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) Inspector/Civil Engineer immediately to the property. The complex's property management company was instructed by DCRA to secure the building with jacks and beams to keep it from sinking or possibly widening. 

The Office of Councilmember Trayon White will continue to monitor this issue. Big thank you to DCRA official for responding expeditiously. 
Watching the Curve

Click here to find a testing site in your area
 

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
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] 
Director, Constituent Services
Department of Employment Services 
Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia
DCACL 
ERCPCP/ACC Faith Leaders   

Louise Thorne: [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]
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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Ward 8 Outreach

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Council of the District of Columbia
1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
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Washington, DC 20004

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