---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Councilmember Vincent C. Gray <ttate@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Sat, Sep 24, 2022 at 10:04 AM
Subject: Honoring Ward 7's Own | Hospital Expansion | Getting Your Child
Vaccinated
To: <info@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Honoring Ward 7's Own | Hospital Expansion | Getting Your Child Vaccinated
View this email in your browser
<https://mailchi.mp/dccouncil.us/honoring-ward-7s-own-hospital-expansion-getting-your-child-vaccinated?e=b811c94d6d>
Dear Neighbors,
The Council is officially back in session! On Tuesday, we held our first
legislative session where I was pleased to have my colleagues’ support on
the passage (on first reading) of my “Willie J. Hardy Memorial Bridge” bill
which will redesignate what was the Lorraine H. Whitlock Memorial Bridge as
the Willie J. Hardy Memorial Bridge. Willie Hardy was a true public servant
and a staunch community activist before, during, and after her time on the
Council. She championed the rights of the poor and disadvantaged, not only
in Ward 7, but all around the District.
I was also very happy that my Kenilworth Courts Street Designation Act of
2021 to officially and posthumously name two public streets in the
Kenilworth community of Ward 7 after two well-regarded Kenilworth
residents, Amin Muslim and Denise Stanley, passed on first reading. I am
delighted that my colleagues joined me in the recognition of these
two community leaders.
In health news, the District announced on Wednesday plans to expand the
size of the new Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center, George Washington
Health Center in Ward 8 on the St. Elizabeths East Campus. This expansion
was made possible through a $17 million investment from Universal Health
Services and will allow an additional fourth floor and larger diagnostic
treatment unit to be included in the new hospital.
The new floor will be able to accommodate 48 additional beds – increasing
the total number of beds from 136 to 184. The additional beds and
diagnostic space will provide flexibility in responding to future health
and regional emergencies. When it opens its doors in FY25, the new Cedar
Hill Regional Medical Center will be the first inpatient facility to open
in the District, on the East End, in more than 20 years. The
state-of-the-art, full-service hospital also includes a trauma center,
ambulatory pavilion for physician offices, clinics and community space, and
a helipad for emergency transports.
*“I am very excited that we are building the new Cedar Hill Regional
Medical Center, GW Health hospital with the shell space to grow into the
nation’s premier community hospital with 184 beds,” said Councilmember
Gray. “When I met with Dr. Elaine Batchlor, the CEO of the Martin Luther
King, Jr. Community Hospital, in Los Angeles, she advised us to build our
new hospital with room to grow. I commend Universal Health Services for
funding the $17 million for this increased 48-bed capacity and larger
hospital, and Mayor Bowser on her continued leadership and commitment to
this transformational hospital project that will create a generational
shift for health equity in the city, as part of our vision to create a
comprehensive system of healthcare on the District's East End.”*
Read the full press release here: Plans to Expand New Regional Medical
Center
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=20c45ef1b7&e=b811c94d6d>
.
On Tuesday, September 28th at 10am, the following bills will be the subject
of a Committee on Health public hearing:
- Bill 24-764, the “Clinical Laboratory Practitioners Amendment Act of
2022”, would move the responsibility for licensing or registration and
regulation of clinical laboratory practitioners from the Board of Pharmacy
to the Board of Medicine; make certain clarifications in the law and expand
the role of the Advisory Committee on Clinical Laboratory Practitioners.
- Bill 24-830, the “Protecting Health Professionals Providing
Reproductive Health Care Amendment Act of 2022”, would prohibit
disciplinary measures against licensed health professionals solely for
providing abortion and reproductive health care services to patients who
live in states where the services are illegal.
- Bill 24-942, the “Consent for Vaccinations of Minors Amendment Act of
2022”, would allow emancipated minors, minors who are or previously have
been married, unaccompanied homeless minors, minors who are or have been
pregnant, or minors who are separated from their parents or legal guardian
without the support by their parents or guardian to consent to receive a
vaccine recommended by the United States Advisory Committee on Immunization
Practices and allow vaccine providers to accept consent of any other minor
when the provider has made reasonable attempts to obtain consent from the
minor’s parent or legal guardian.
- Bill 24-943, the “High Need Healthcare Career Scholarship and Health
Professional Loan Repayment Program Amendment Act of 2022”, would establish
a scholarship program for high-need health care careers to be administered
by the Mayor; establish eligibility requirements; establish eligibility and
selection criteria for participating training programs and schools; expand
the Health Recruitment Program to include loan repayments for medical
specializes, sub-specialties and part-time hours in medically-underserved
areas; and allow the Mayor rule making authority to implement this program.
Those who wish to provide oral testimony should contact Malcolm Cameron,
Legislative Analyst for the Committee on Health, by e-mail at
mcameron@xxxxxxxxxxxxx or by phone at (202) 341-4425 before 5:30 p.m. on
Monday, September 26, 2022. When sending an e-mail or leaving a voicemail,
please provide Mr. Cameron with the following information:
• Your first and last name;
• The name of the organization you are representing (if any);
• Your title with the organization;
• Your e-mail address;
• Your phone number; and
• The specific bill/s you will be testifying about.
*IS YOUR CHILD VACCINATED?*
DC Health has a system in place that will help to better track children's
vaccination records electronically. And, DC Health has
developed an outreach system to parents and families now that school is
back in session to ensure that the required school immunizations and
COVID-19 vaccinations happen timely before the *newly extended* immunization
enforcement timeline. Please be sure that you are well informed on
existing policies and resources available to help with getting young
child(ren) vaccinated or obtaining the required forms to receive
a medical or religious exemption, if necessary, as required. Here is the
link
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=c8236faa79&e=b811c94d6d>
for
information on how to request an exemption. You can find more information
on the District’s immunization requirements and process here
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=9171443384&e=b811c94d6d>
.
In an effort to help ensure that our scholars are up-to-date on all
vaccinations and requirements needed for school, below is information from
DC Health about the best places for DC families to access immunizations
aside from their primary medical provider. DC Health and its partners are
offering special vaccination opportunities across all eight wards which
include vaccination-only clinics, school-based health centers, and mobile
units. Additionally, here is the link for parents to select a vaccination
location: *http://dchealth.dc.gov/immunizations
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=37c73d481b&e=b811c94d6d>*.
*Fast-track, vaccination-only clinics*
*Mary’s Center:* Appointments daily at all three DC health centers:
- Petworth Health Center, 3912 Georgia Ave NW (Ward 4)
- Fort Totten Health Center, 100 Gallatin St NE (Ward 5)
- Adams Morgan Health Center, 2333 Ontario St NW (Ward 1)
*Unity Health Care:* Saturdays 8 am to 12 pm in August and September at:
- Anacostia Health Center, 1500 Galen St SE (Ward 8)
- Brentwood Health Center, 1251-B Saratoga Ave NE (Ward 5)
- Upper Cardozo Health Center, 3020 14th St NW (Ward 1)
*Children’s National:* Tuesday through Friday at all 5 Goldberg Health
Centers and Saturday at select health centers.
*Mobile Clinics:* DC Health continues to ensure access to routine pediatric
immunizations (RPIs) for District families. Please see the below document
which contains the following information for our mobile clinics throughout
September:
- The location of mobile clinics (which each have 60 appointments),
- The dates for those clinics (which each operate 10-3pm), and
- The pre-registration link (which is https://bit.ly/DCHealthMobileUnit
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=ed7dbe6fa3&e=b811c94d6d>
).
Families can also access COVID-19 vaccines and boosters at the following
COVID Centers:
Each clinic has slightly different hours for each day, so please see the
specific schedule for each COVID Center at the following link
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=f015fa9105&e=b811c94d6d>.
This link is updated daily.
*COVID-19 Update*
African Americans still account for 75% of COVID-19 deaths in Washington,
DC compared to about 46% of population. *As we have seen with the spike in
COVID-19 cases due to the highly contagious Omicron variant, it is advised
that **r**egardless of **y**our **vaccination status to continue to wear
your face coverings and practice social distancing while out in public or
indoors*.
*Get Vaccinated and Boosted!*
*Infants and Children 6 months – 4 years* *can now get vaccinated!*
Infant & Children Vaccination Sites
*Ward* *Facility Name* *Address* *Notes*
*Ward 1* Mary’s Center – Ontario Road 2333 Ontario Road, NW
https://www.maryscenter.org/patients/coronavirus/
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=5e8eec36f5&e=b811c94d6d>
Howard University Hospital 2041 Georgia Avenue, NW
http://huhealthcare.com/healthcare/hospital
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=e6040e641f&e=b811c94d6d>
La Clinica Del Pueblo 2831 15th Street, NW (202) 462-4788
*Ward 2* West End Pediatrics 2440 M Street NW, Suite 804
https://westendpeds.org/
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=56d9133521&e=b811c94d6d>
Bread for the City Medical Clinic 1525 7th Street, NW
https://breadforthecity.org/health/
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=dd0329ad09&e=b811c94d6d>
GUMC Medstar – Pediatrics 4200 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, 4th Floor
https://medstarhealth.org/
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=a94b79e7ec&e=b811c94d6d>
Dr. Michelle Barnes Marshall 2440 M Street, NW, Suite 317 (202) 775-0051
*Ward 3* Spring Valley Pediatrics 4850 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 200
http://www.springvalleypediatrics.net/
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=5f116a1378&e=b811c94d6d>
*Ward 4* Mary’s Center – Georgia Avenue 3912 Georgia Avenue, NW
https://www.maryscenter.org/
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=658ddcca46&e=b811c94d6d>
*Ward 5* The McCuiston Group 106 Irving Street, NW, Suite 317
https://themccuistongroup.com/
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McKnight Pediatrics 106 Irving Street, NW, Suite 2300 N
https://www.mcknightpediatrics.com/
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=f1f7ed9af9&e=b811c94d6d>
Mary’s Center – Ft. Totten 100 Gallatin Street, NE
https://www.maryscenter.org/patients/coronavirus/
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=96b6bb08b9&e=b811c94d6d>
*Ward 6* Grubb’s Pharmacy 326 E Capitol Street, NE
https://www.grubbspharmacy.com/
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=cd49f4433c&e=b811c94d6d>
*Ward 7* Elaine Ellis Center of Health 1627 Kenilworth Avenue, NE (202)
803-2340
COVID-19 vaccine boosters for kids ages 5-11 are here! Now is the best time
to take the whole family to get boosted. Find a COVID Center near you:
http://coronavirus.dc.gov/covidcenters
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=9240195864&e=b811c94d6d>
Ward 7 and District residents can now access free KN95 masks, flu shots,
vaccinations, boosters, take-home rapid antigen tests as well as a new
self-administered PCR test — all in one place! For more information visit:
http://coronavirus.dc.gov/covidcenters
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=dd47c631cd&e=b811c94d6d>.
Here is today's schedule:
*DC Faith-Based and Community-Based Organizations Vaccine Exchange Program!*
DC faith and community-based organizations are now able to schedule vaccine
clinics for DC residents through the District's Vaccine Exchange Program!
DC Health and the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) recently
announced the launch of a new program that connects District organizations,
including faith-based and community-based organizations as well as District
employers, with vaccine providers that can assist with providing COVID-19
vaccinations to large groups in the community or workplace.
Through the Vaccine Exchange Program, organizations are now able to submit
requests for a vaccine clinic and vaccine providers are able to accept
those requests and schedule clinics.
The Vaccine Exchange Program, clinics can accommodate groups of individuals
from community groups, employers or groups of individuals. The clinics can
take place indoors or outdoors. Vaccine clinic operations generally require
use of three distinct spaces for the following functions: check-in, vaccine
administration, and post-vaccination observation. All spaces must allow for
social distancing to be maintained.
Organizations interested in offering a vaccination clinic can submit a
request here
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=26b8e9970a&e=b811c94d6d>.
User guides for the portals are available for organizations and vaccine
providers.
*FREE MEALS & GROCERY DISTRIBUTION SITES *
*SERVICES FOR SENIORS*
*SUPPORT FOR WOMEN, FAMIL**IES*
* AND CHILDREN SNAP 2022 UPDATE!*
District Direct is the District’s new online and mobile application for
public benefits! District Direct allows residents to apply,
renew/recertify, and manage food, cash, and medical benefits. District
Direct
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=79a1ffefcd&e=b811c94d6d>
is free and available in the Google Play
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=ae51232511&e=b811c94d6d>
and Apple app
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=609cf688e4&e=b811c94d6d>
stores. Go to districtdirect.dc.gov
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=266987cfde&e=b811c94d6d>
for more information.
*ALERT! CHANGES TO UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS*
*COMMUNITY NEWS *
Ward 7, we are still here working for you. If you or someone you know is
in need of assistance, please contact a member of my constituent services
team:
*Dexter L. Humphrey – Director of Constituent Services Email:
dhumphrey@xxxxxxxxxxxx <dhumphrey@xxxxxxxxxxxx> Cell: (202) 704-4304 *
Dexter comes with more than a decade of service to the residents of Ward
7. Raised in the Penn Branch neighborhood, Dexter always wanted to be
involved with helping his community. He attended North Carolina A&T State
University to study Political Science in order to learn the insides of
politics. After graduating, Dexter did just that by running for Ward 7 City
Council in 2007. Mr. Humphrey has worn many hats in his community. He has
served as Chairman and Vice Chairman of Advisory Neighborhood Commission
7B, 2nd Vice Chair of the Ward 7 Democrats and also as 1st Vice Chair of
the Sixth District Citizens Advisory Council. He continues to diligently
work for the residents of his home ward as the Director of Constituent
Services for Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent C. Gray.
*Tamika Finnell – Deputy Director of Constituent Services Email:
tfinnell@xxxxxxxxxxxx <tfinnell@xxxxxxxxxxxx> Cell: (202) 704-9657*
Tamika serves as Deputy Director of Constituent Services for Ward 7
Councilmember Vincent C. Gray. In this capacity, she works with Ward 7
residents to resolve constituent concerns and issues, attends community
meetings and keeps Councilmember Gray abreast of resident and stakeholder
concerns. Tamika believes that every resident deserves an opportunity to
improve key areas that may impact their quality of life. Tamika enjoys
working with constituents to resolve their problems, and is a strong
advocate for our seasoned seniors and housing residents. She has a Bachelor
of Science Degree in Human Resources Management. A native Washingtonian
and Ward 7 resident, Tamika lives in the Deanwood neighborhood with her
husband and teenage son.
*Anacostia Watershed Survey*
The Anacostia Watershed Society needs us to take a moment and fill out the
Anacostia River Corridor Restoration Plan Survey. For more information, the
Department of Environment and Energy is developing a restoration master
plan for the DC Anacostia River Corridor. This plan will serve as a roadmap
to restore habitat, enhance resiliency to climate change, improve water
quality, and increase equitable access to recreational activities on the
river corridor.
Our Ward 7 & Ward 8 neighbors will likely benefit from resources and
services once we complete this survey to better restore habitat, enhance
resiliency to climate change, improve water quality, and increase equitable
access to recreational activities on the river corridor.
*Complete Survey:*
https://publicinput.com/S1715?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=a3e7cf42-f9f8-4cd0-b749-d94b2bb8d621#4
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=92bc1fe002&e=b811c94d6d>
Your responses will help the various agencies to understand our needs,
experiences, and visions for the Anacostia River.
*Temporary PSLF Waiver Program* *Deadline: October 31*
The Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) wants District
residents who work in public service to be aware that the deadline for
applying to the Temporary Public Service Loan Forgiveness Waiver Program
(PSLF waiver) is *October 31.*
*ABOUT THE PSLF WAIVER*
If you have a federal student loan, time is running out to take advantage
of the Temporary PSLF Waiver Program implemented by the Biden
Administration. DISB provides support navigating the PSLF waiver process.
You can also access four-minute video vignettes on each phase of the
process at forgivemystudentdebt.org
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=3e4ce65d5d&e=b811c94d6d>
.
The PSLF program offered by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) forgives
the remaining balance of a Direct Loan
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=d3097e0758&e=b811c94d6d>
for
borrowers while they are working full time for government or nonprofit
employers. Borrowers must enter a qualifying repayment plan and make 120
monthly payments to be eligible for loan forgiveness. View Frequently Asked
Questions about the PSLF Program here: disb.dc.gov/page/pslffaqs
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.
------------------------------
*ACTION STEPS*
In 2021, the Biden Administration added a waiver to the PSLF program, which
provides credit for past payments made on loans that would otherwise not
qualify for PSLF (for example, a Federal Perkins Loan or Federal Family
Education Loans). To take advantage of this waiver, you must act fast. The
waiver period ends *October 31,* *2022*. Here’s what you have to do:
*1. Check your loan types by logging into your dashboard at studentaid.gov
<http://studentaid.gov>.* If you see any loan type other than “Direct,” you
must consolidate your loans before *October 31, 2022*. If you need to
consolidate, go to step two; if not, skip to step three.
*2. Apply to consolidate your federal loans into a Direct Consolidation
Loan* at gov/app/launchConsolidation.action
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=4a46f7bf55&e=b811c94d6d>.
If you are married and file your taxes jointly, you will receive a code and
instructions for your spouse to affirm your joint income for purposes of
the repayment plan. Although spouses who file jointly are required to sign,
the non-borrower spouse is not financially responsible for the federal
student loan debt by signing the documents related to the consolidation
process.
*Note:* Consolidating borrowers no longer must wait for proof of transfer
of their student loans to complete and submit their PSLF application using
the PSLF Help Tool. From now through October 31, ED will save the
information submitted through the PSLF Help Tool and the Missouri Higher
Education Loan Authority (MOHELA) will match it to any corresponding
consolidation applications.
*3. Use the PSLF Help Tool to apply for PSLF and take advantage of the
waiver program: *studentaid.gov/pslf
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=ef0f4e8e07&e=b811c94d6d>.
If all of your loans are direct and you do not need to consolidate, you can
go straight to the tool and do not need to download the paper form.
*4. After filling out Sections 1 through 3 of the PSLF Help Tool online,
you will need to sign and send the completed Employment Certification Form
to your employer’s Department of Human Resources (HR) to complete Section
4. Note: Depending upon your employment history since 2007, you may need to
repeat this step for multiple employers. *You must sign with a wet
signature before sending it to HR. The ED will not accept electronic
signatures even if time stamped. Remember to save a copy for your records.
HR will complete Section 4 and return it to you for submission via email.
In some instances, HR may correct information included in Section 3 if it
does not match their records. After HR returns the completed form to you,
it must then be submitted to the address identified in Section 7.
*5. Once you receive the completed application from your employer, you must
mail or fax it to MOHELA at the address indicated in Section 7 of the form:*
U.S. Department of Education, MOHELA
633 Spirit Drive
Chesterfield, MO 63005-1243
If you are mailing the form, please consider going to the post office to
complete USPS Form 3817: about.usps.com/forms/ps3817.pdf
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to
obtain a certificate of mailing or fax to: 866.222.7060 *If MOHELA is
already your servicer and you have an active account, you can also upload
it to: *mohela.com/uploaddocument
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.
The Washington, DC Metropolitan Police Department is actively hiring police
officers and *we are looking for people who want to make a difference in
Washington, DC. *At MPD, we understand that DC is more than just the
nation’s capital. The District is a world-class city with a dynamic mix of
residents from native Washingtonians, students, commuters, tourists and
business travelers. It is a complex public safety environment where
dedication and excellence are demanded of our officers, and they meet that
high bar every day.
Unlike many other police agencies who only have 1-2 academy classes each
year, *we hire recruit classes every month. *The starting salary
is $60,199 and after successful completion of the probationary period (18
months) the base salary increases to $65,863. Officers assigned to the
evening shift and midnight shifts earn 3% and 4% more. There are also ample
overtime opportunities.
*We also understand that it can be difficult transitioning to a new
career, and we want to make things easier for you.* If you move to DC as a
new recruit, from more than 50 air miles away, we will cover the cost of a
hotel room for up to 14 days once you start our paid academy! *We are also
offering up to $6k in rental housing assistance for all new recruits who
choose to live in DC.* To apply or learn more, please visit
www.joinmpd.dc.gov
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=1803ff63db&e=b811c94d6d>
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser's Office of Veterans Affairs has increased the
amount of VetsRide travel vouchers from (16) a month to UNLIMITED!
The free ride vouchers are for any location within the District, and select
medical locations in MD or VA, seven days a week from 6am - 10pm.
Wheelchair accessible vehicles are available upon request.
*For enrollment call: 202 - 724 - 4010*
*Free Home Internet for DCPS and DC Charter Students*
DC government pays for 1 year of Comcast Internet Essentials or
RCN’s Internet First for families with students in DCPS or DC public
charter schools.
*STAY DC ALERT!*
*The STAY DC program is no longer accepting tenant applications. *You may
still be eligible for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) if you
are seeking rental assistance, first month rent and security deposit. To
view ERAP eligibility requirements and apply for ERAP click the following
link: https://erap.dhs.dc.gov/
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.
The DC Homeowner Assistance Fund Program uses funding from the American
Rescue Plan to provide grants to District Homeowners who have been affected
by COVID-19 to help keep their home.
The financial assistance program is accessed via a digital portal, that
serves as a one-stop shop, providing grants to District homeowners impacted
by COVID-19 who are struggling with their mortgage payments and other
property or housing expenses.
For more information, to apply now, or to check your status please visit:
https://haf.dc.gov/
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=573067aefa&e=b811c94d6d>.
*Mayor Bowser Launches $50 Million Homeowner Assistance Fund!*
*Mayor Bowser Launches $50 Million Homeowner Assistance Fund. Mayor Bowser
Launches $50 Million Homeowner Assistance Fund District Expands Successful
Pilot Citywide to Help Homeowners Keep and Maintain Their Homes.*
(WASHINGTON, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the DC Department of
Housing and Community Development (DHCD) launched a new $50 million
homeownership program to provide financial assistance to residents
struggling to make housing related payments. Through the Homeowner
Assistance Fund (HAF), beginning on June 22, 2022 , eligible homeowners can
go to haf.dc.gov to apply for grant funding to cover mortgage payments and
other property or housing expenses, including utilities, insurance,
internet assistance and housing association fees, among other benefits. The
HAF program adds to the robust toolkit of resources available in the
District of Columbia to support obtaining and maintaining homeownership,
particularly for low- to moderate-income residents. Frontdoor.dc.gov, a DC
government site launched in 2021, provides a searchable inventory of these
programs.
“With this program, we’re adding another resource to our homeownership
toolkit,” said Mayor Bowser. “Homeownership is a critical tool for helping
residents stay and build wealth in DC. That’s why we’re increasing our down
payment assistance program, why we launched the Black Homeownership Strike
Force, why we have the Safe at Home program, and, now, why we are launching
this Homeowner Assistance Fund. All of these programs together is how we
give more Washingtonians a fair shot.”
Residents are eligible for the HAF program if they:
- live in a home that they own in the District;
- have fallen behind on one or more of the eligible program expenses for
that home, including: mortgage payments, housing association fees and
charges, property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, utility payments,
internet/broadband payments;
- were impacted by COVID-19; and
- make less than 100% of the Median Family Income (MFI) or $142,300 for
a family of four.
Households that identify as “Socially Disadvantaged” may be eligible for
mortgage reinstatement assistance with annual income up to 150% of MFI.
“Socially Disadvantaged” individuals belong to a group whose ability to
purchase or own a home has been impaired due to diminished access to credit
on reasonable terms as compared to others in comparable economic
circumstances. The impairment stems from circumstances beyond their control.
Funding for the HAF program is made available by the United States Treasury
from the American Rescue Plan. Treasury made initial payments from the HAF
available to the District in an amount equal to 10% of the total amount
allocated to DC (or $5 million). Treasury encouraged HAF participants to
use these initial payments to create or fund pilot programs to serve
targeted populations and to focus on programs that are most likely to
deliver resources most quickly to targeted populations, such as mortgage
reinstatement programs.
As a result, the launch of the full HAF program follows a successful pilot
program in Wards 7 and 8 that began in October 2021. The pilot targeted
condominium homeowners who purchased their home using down payment and/or
closing cost assistance from DHCD and were behind on their mortgage or
other property-related payments. Nearly $500,000 of assistance has been
distributed for mortgage, condominium fees, and property taxes with
additional assistance in the process of being distributed. Of the 110
approved applicants, 79% identified as Black, all were at or below 100%
MFI, and one-third identified as socially disadvantaged.
The District’s foreclosure moratorium on residential mortgages expires on
June 30, 2022. When the moratorium ends, foreclosure proceedings may resume
unless homeowners have a financial assistance application pending approval,
pending payment, or under appeal by the HAF program. If homeowners are
under review for HAF, the moratorium is extended until September 30, 2022.
Lenders cannot foreclose on homeowners until after June 30 if the property
is occupied. Mortgage payments are still due unless homeowners have entered
into loss mitigation agreements with their lenders.
*More information, including eligibility requirements, can be found at
haf.dc.gov <http://haf.dc.gov>. Interested applicants may also call (202)
540-7407 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. if they have
questions or want to connect with a housing counselor for a virtual or
in-person appointment.*
[image: DISB Consumer Alert]
Foreclosure Moratorium on Residential Mortgages Expires June 30
------------------------------
The District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking
(DISB) wants residents to be aware that the District’s foreclosure
moratorium on residential mortgages expires on June 30, 2022.
*On JUNE 30, 2022, the moratorium on residential foreclosures will expire.
What does this mean for homeowners?*
- Lenders cannot foreclose on homeowners until after June 30 if the
property is occupied.
- When the moratorium ends, foreclosure proceedings will resume unless
homeowners are under review for the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF)
administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
- If homeowners are under review for HAF, the moratorium is extended
until September 30, 2022.
- Mortgage payments are still due unless homeowners have entered into
loss mitigation agreements with their lenders.
- Be proactive and contact the *Foreclosure Prevention Hotline* or your
servicer.
*HOW TO AVOID FORECLOSURE*
*Step 1: Contact the Foreclosure Prevention Hotline at 202-265-2255.*
*Free HUD-approved housing counselors* will assist District homeowners with
preparing loss mitigation requests, contacting the mortgage servicer with
the homeowner to determine what options are available, and exploring
financial assistance programs available to District homeowners.
*Step 2: Communicate with your servicer.*
Take control by accepting calls from your mortgage servicer. Even better,
call your mortgage servicer as soon as you know you can’t make your monthly
payment. The phone number is on your monthly bill. Tell your servicer why
you can’t make your monthly payment and ask the servicer for help avoiding
foreclosure.
*Step 3: Be aware of scams.*
Scam artists try to take advantage of homeowners who get into trouble by
charging a lot of money—even thousands of dollars—for false promises of
help. You should not have to pay anyone to help you avoid foreclosure. The
help you need is available at no cost to you from your servicer, or through
a HUD-approved housing counseling agency. Find a HUD-approved housing
counseling agency at consumerfinance.gov/find-a-housing-counselor
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.
*Step 4: Apply for help.*
Your loan servicer must contact you, provide you with accurate information,
and tell you about your loss mitigation options. Loss mitigation refers to
the ways your servicer can work with you to avoid foreclosure. If you send
in a complete application to your mortgage servicer early enough, your
mortgage servicer must tell you the options you have to keep your home, or
if it makes more sense, to leave your home.
Housing counselors have extensive experience helping people work on
avoiding foreclosure. They can assist you with the complicated steps to
understand your options and apply for help. Your mortgage servicer can’t
make a first notice or filing for foreclosure until you are more than 120
days behind on your payments. In addition, when you submit a complete
application for mortgage help early enough, the mortgage servicer can’t
start the foreclosure process while you’re being evaluated or if you are
following through on the requirements of a loan modification.
Once HAF is fully implemented, apply for assistance on the DHCD website at
dhcd.dc.gov/node/1557026
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.
Don’t wait, get it done today. The earlier you complete the application,
the more protections you get.
*REPORT FRAUD* If you suspect someone who contacted you is a scammer, file
a complaint
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=59fef21d97&e=b811c94d6d>
with the DISB Enforcement and Consumer Protection Division at 202-727-8000
or visit disb.dc.gov/page/consumer-services-division
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.
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing mortgage problems, please
contact Ben Arnold, DISB Foreclosure Prevention and Mediation
Administrator, at 202-442-7765 or via email at benjamin.arnold@xxxxxx. You
may also visit disb.dc.gov/page/foreclosure-prevention-program
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.
*DISB Mission* Our mission is three-fold: (1) cultivate a regulatory
environment that protects consumers and attracts and retains financial
services firms to the District; (2) empower and educate residents on
financial matters; and (3) provide financing for District small businesses.
*District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking *
Office of Communications 1050 First Street NE, Suite 801, Washington, DC
20002
[image: DC Short-Term Rental Program Email Header]
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*Operating A Short-Term Rental In the District of Columbia*
*An Update For Short-Term Rental Hosts*
The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) announces that it
is extending the application grace period for Short-Term Rental Licenses to
June 9, 2022.
In support of the Short-Term Rental Regulation Act of 2018
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=cdb6f8caa7&e=b811c94d6d>,
DCRA began accepting applications for Short-Term Rental Licenses on January
10, 2022. To give short-term rental hosts enough time to get the required
documentation and obtain licenses, a 90-day grace period was implemented.
To assist hosts who have not yet obtained their licenses, and to allow them
confirm eligibility for the Homestead Deduction or obtain a Certificate of
Clean Hands from the DC Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR), DCRA will extend
the grace period for an additional 60 days until June 9, 2022.
*Things to Know About Short-Term Rental Licensure
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=f00777cf40&e=b811c94d6d>*
Two
license types available to those wishing to conduct short-term rentals in
the District:
1. *Short-Term Rental License*: Allows a host to offer fee-based lodging
at their primary residence while the host is present on the property (for
example, a bedroom within a home). As long as the host is present, there is
no limit on the number of stays allowed during a calendar year; however,
each short-term rental stay is limited to 30 or fewer continuous nights.
2. *Short-Term Rental: Vacation Rental License*: A "Vacation Rental" is
a type of short-term rental that allows a host to offer fee-based lodging
at their primary residence without being present on the property (for
example, a full home). Cumulatively, vacation rentals cannot exceed 90
nights in any calendar year, and each rental is limited to 30 or fewer
continuous nights.
Short-term rentals are limited to a host’s primary residence, which the law
defines as a property for which the owner is eligible for the Homestead Tax
Deduction. Only natural persons are eligible for short-term rental
licenses; business entities such as an LLC or corporation are not eligible.
*Cost to License*
The total cost for a two-year short-term rental license is $104.50, which
includes a $70 processing fee, a $25 endorsement fee, and a 10% technology
fee. The overall license cost is in line with or cheaper than other
comparable jurisdictions locally and nationally. As an example, the cost of
a two-year short-term rental license in San Francisco, California is $450.
Once the extended enforcement grace period ends on June 9, 2022, failure to
comply with the District’s short-term rental requirements may result in
fines of up to $250 for the first violation, escalating up to $1,000 for a
third violation. Violations can be reported to the District of Columbia
Short-Term Rental Hotline by calling 202-221-8550.
For further information and a list of Frequently Asked Questions visit
dcra.dc.gov/shorttermrentals
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=617e70c542&e=b811c94d6d>
.
------------------------------
[image: Short-Term Rental Program Email Footer Graphic]
*UTILITY ASSISTANCE!*
*The Moratorium on Utility Disconnections for *
*Low-income Utility Consumers *
*Ended on Monday, January 10, 2022*
Financial assistance is available to help customers maintain utility
service and pay down bills.
*If you are behind on your utility bill, received a *
*disconnection notice or are disconnected:*
*Contact your utility company:*
Pepco: (202) 833-7500
Washington Gas: (703) 750-1000
DC Water: (202) 354-3750
Verizon: 1-800-837-4966 (1-800-Verizon)
*Ask for a deferred payment:*
A deferred payment arrangement allows you to pay your bills in installments.
*Contact OPC to help negotiate a payment plan: *
When a company and customer have been unable to agree on terms of a payment
arrangement, the customer may contact OPC to negotiate a payment plan on
the customer’s behalf.
*Seek financial assistance:*
*DC Department of Energy and Environment: *Low-Income Home Energy
Assistance Program (LIHEAP) (202) 535-2600 or 311.
*DC Water Multifamily Assistance Program: *(202) 354-3750
*DC Water Cares:* (202) 354-3600
Additional resources and help may be found at opc-dc.gov.
<https://dccouncil.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe55d2b47e24183acd76bebb&id=7bf7265fdb&e=b811c94d6d>
*Contact OPC @ (202) 727-3071*
Please stay safe, be well and get vaccinated.
In service,
Vince
*STAY CONNECTED!*
*HOW ARE WE DOING? *
*Take a moment to let us know how we're doing! Click here to complete the
Ward 7 Survey: *
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WARD7SURVEY
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*STAFF*
*Sheila E. Bunn Chief of Staff*
sbunn@xxxxxxxxxxxx
*Jordan M. Betters Staff Assistant/Scheduler*
*jbetters@xxxxxxxxxxxx <jbetters@xxxxxxxxxxxx>*
*Takiyah "T.N." Tate Director of Communications ttate@xxxxxxxxxxxx
<jhazel@xxxxxxxxxxxx> Dexter L. Humphrey Director of Constituent Services*
*dhumphrey@xxxxxxxxxxxx <dhumphrey@xxxxxxxxxxxx>*
*Tamika Finnell Deputy Director of Constituent Services*
*tfinnell@xxxxxxxxxxxx <tfinnell@xxxxxxxxxxxx>*
*Terrance Norflis Legislative Director*
*tnorflis@xxxxxxxxxxxx* <tnorflis@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
*Caleb Levine Legislative Aide*
*clevine@xxxxxxxxxxxx <tnorflis@xxxxxxxxxxxx>*
*Committee on Health (202) 727-7774*
*Michelle Loggins Acting Committee Director*
mloggins@xxxxxxxxxxxx <egoulet@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
*Malcolm Cameron *
*Legislative Analyst*
mcameron@xxxxxxxxxxxx <egoulet@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
*Kaitlyn Casey Legislative Aide*
*kcasey@xxxxxxxxxxxx <kcasey@xxxxxxxxxxxx>*
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*Copyright © 2022 Council of the District of Columbia, All rights reserved.
Office of Councilmember Vincent C. Gray *
*Our mailing address is:*
Council of the District of Columbia
1350 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Suite 406
Washington, DC 20004
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