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Alright, this is (hopefully) the last update from me for 2020. The
Council has wrapped up our legislative work for the year and is
preparing for the start of a new two-year session in January, which
will include two new councilmembers and all of the hope and challenge
of a new year. I'm going to try to keep this newsletter a little
shorter, and there are a few important items to share. But before we
jump in, let me send all the best wishes for this holiday season and
New Year from my family to yours. This has been a difficult year for
so many - and on so many different fronts. You may be celebrating
despite the loss of a friend or family member, or you may be apart
from the people that make your holidays complete. No matter how you've
been celebrating and remembering this season, please know that I'm
thinking about you and that I see hope on the horizon for 2021. It's
my wish that these days bring you peace and restores our shared
commitment to one another as we build toward a strong recovery from
this pandemic. And now, let's jump in.
Quick Links: COVID Updates | Holiday Testing | Funding |
Metrobus | MPD Chief Nominee |
Office Closure | Warm Home
| Holiday Student Meals | COVID Helpers | Free
Diapers | Free Groceries
New COVID-19 Restrictions in Place
Starting last week, Mayor Bowser announced restrictions on
activities in a few spaces to slow the spread of COVID-19. I just want
to reiterate here: don't take a risk this holiday season that you'll
regret in a year. We have two vaccines approved and already being
rolled out (here's a link to more information about the District's
vaccination plans thus far). That's a modern miracle and a hopeful
sign we could all use. But don't stop being careful now. Don't host a
holiday gathering. Wear a mask. We're getting through this, but spread
is incredibly high right now and you cannot guarantee your safety and
the safety of your loved ones - just hang on a little longer!
-
Restaurants: Starting tonight (Dec 23) at 10 pm, indoor
dining will not be allowed until January 15. Outdoor dining and
takeout are still permitted.
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Museums: Closed until January 15.
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Libraries: Services restricted to drop-off and pick-up at the
door only, indoor services closed until January 15.
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Parks and Recreation: Indoor swimming and gym sessions are
limited to individual reservations only until January 15.
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DC Circulator's National Mall Loop is suspended until January
15.
Finally, Council Chairman Phil Mendelson has asked me to co-chair a
Special Committee on Pandemic Recovery with Councilmember Vince Gray.
More to come, but I am looking forward to leading the Council's
efforts to map out what our recovery looks like and how we also how we
work to reverse the inequities exposed by this pandemic, including
things like expanding access to fast and free internet, transit,
health care, childcare, education, and more as part of recovering from
the coronavirus crisis.
Holiday COVID Testing Schedule
COVID-19 testing will follow the same schedule as normal, however
all public testing sites will be closed on Friday, December 25, in
observation of the Christmas holiday. Schedule here: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/testing
Bridge Funding for Retail, Entertainment Open
Joining funding for hotels and restaurants, there are relief funds
available for businesses hurt by the pandemic in the retail and
entertainment sectors. More information on eligibility and how to
apply here: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/bridgefund
Related: There are a whole bunch of funding opportunities
available for community groups and businesses doing important work
during the pandemic. Serve DC has complied all of the listings and
deadlines here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/DCWASH/bulletins/2b25893
 WMATA Updates: Bus Fares Return, Comment on
Proposed Budget
Just a heads-up, as part of WMATA's recovery plan, buses will
return to front door loading and collecting fares on January 3,
2021.
Additionally, while there's a lot we don't know about WMATA's
budget in the coming year (especially federal funding and ridership
levels), we know we're going to have to protect Ward 6 bus lines and
rail service. Feedback on WMATA service cuts begins in January. Here's
where we stand before factoring in funding through the most recent
federal bill: https://www.wmata.com/about/board/meetings/board-pdfs/upload/3A-1-FY22-Consolidated-Route-Network-Service-Plan-updated-12-1-Final.pdf
Mayor Bowser Nominates Robert Contee to be Chief of Metropolitan
Police Department
In case you missed the news, the Mayor has announced she will be
nominating Assistant Chief Robert Contee as the next Chief of the
Metropolitan Police Department. Plenty of Ward 6 residents will
remember him from his time as the 1st District Commander. Here's my
full statement: http://www.charlesallenward6.com/councilmember_allen_statement_on_nomination_of_robert_contee_as_chief_of_mpd
Related: Council Chairman Phil Mendelson has recommended I
continue to Chair the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety for
Council Period 24. I am honored to be trusted to continue this work.
Here's my statement on Committee assignments in the
upcoming Council Period.
End of Year Office Closure
My office will be closed the final week of the year and reopen as
the new Council is sworn in on January 2. During that time, you can
still tweet
at me or email me, but
the end of a council period is a rare opportunity to give my team a
little downtime before it all starts back up again in January.
Free Weatherization to Warm Up Your Home
As cold days set in, make sure your neighbors know the District
offers assistance to seniors and income-qualifiying residents for
assistance with weatherization projects that can keep your home
warmer. Learn more here: https://doee.dc.gov/service/weatherization-assistance-program-wap
 Free Student/Kid Meal Sites Over the
Holidays
Until January 4, DCPS meal sites will operate a modified schedule.
Here's the updated information, please share on your neighborhood
listservs: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/coronavirus/release_content/attachments/Holiday-Meal-Site-Flyer_DCPS.pdf
Help the Helpers. Here's Who Is Serving Our Neighbors
During COVID
These organizations are still doing great work to help our
neighbors and they're worth your support. If you need assistance, this
list is a good starting point. If you find yourself with a lot of time
and you are healthy and able to volunteer, these are groups that can
put you to work. I cannot emphasize enough, however, that if you are
not feeling well at all, please do not volunteer.
-
Serve
Your City\Ward 6 Mutual Aid Network: Led by Ward 6
neighbor Maurice Cook and Serve Your City, this is a group collecting
and redistributing food and other essential items for neighbors. Serve
Your City provides opportunities for Ward 6 students.
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GOODProjects:
Working in Southwest with a safe space for kids living in Greenleaf,
Syphax, and James Creek to have access to online learning and
support.
-
Powerof10:
Founded by H Street's own Eric Bruner-Yang, this initiative keeps
restaurant kitchens' working by preparing meals for hungry neighbors,
essential workers, and first responders.
-
DC
Medical Reserve Corps: Organized by the DC Government,
here's a way to help out as our medical response scales up.
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Capital
Area Food Bank: In critical need of volunteers to help
sort and pack food in their warehouse and assist at their offsite food
distributions.
-
Food
and Friends DC: In urgent need of extra volunteers
throughout the coming weeks. There are two volunteer opportunities,
food preparation and packaging and meal and grocery delivery.
-
Food
Rescue US: Volunteers with vehicles needed to pick up and
deliver food from businesses to DC residents in need.
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Martha’s
Table: Volunteers needed to help prepare and bag food for
their emergency food sites across the city.
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We
Are Family: Volunteer to deliver groceries to
seniors.
-
Food
for All DC: Volunteer to drive groceries to seniors,
immunocompromised, and other DC neighbors who are homebound. Volunteer
here.
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Aunt
Bertha: Aunt Bertha’s network connects people seeking
help and verified social care providers that serve them by zip code.
Contact your local shelter to see what help and/or items may be
needed.
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Breadcoin:
A nonprofit offering flexibility to folks who are hungry in where and
how they purchase food or meals at a restaurant.
Free diapers
Free groceries for residents
Please be safe, and my thanks and best wishes to you and your
family in the new year.
Charles
Allen
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