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Dear Neighbors,

In April, the District launched Stronger Together by Assisting You (STAY DC), a $352 million rental and utility assistance program for eligible District residents. However, only 20% of the STAY DC funds have been distributed to District residents in need. This is due to the fact that many people are not aware of rental and utility assistance resources that are currently available to them through STAY DC, while others have been challenged by the program’s paperwork requirements and language accessibility. As such, I have continued to get the word out so that we can fully exhaust the federal funding for the STAY DC program.

STAY DC is one of the most important tools in our toolbox that can help Ward 7 and District residents who are behind on rent and utilities because of COVID-19. Apply here today while funding is still available!  
  • Access the STAY DC portal here.
  • Call the help hotline at 833-478-2932 (833-4-STAYDC).
  • Drop off a paper application at six different locations across the District.
Redistricting in the District: What You Need to Know
 
Starting September 2021, the Council of the District of Columbia will launch its once-in-a-decade redistricting process. Normally, decennial redistricting begins in April, but a five-month delay in the release of 2020 Census data has the process officially kicking off in September. 

Chairman Phil Mendelson appointed a subcommittee to direct the Council's redistricting work, consisting of three at-large members:  Elisa Silverman, who chairs the subcommittee, along with Anita Bonds and Christina Henderson. Using data from the 2020 Census, the subcommittee will make recommendations to the full Council on redrawing ward boundaries to ensure balanced ward populations and representation in the legislature. 

The subcommittee, along with ward-specific task forces, will also make recommendations on redrawing Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) boundaries to meet similar balancing and fair representation goals. Coming soon, more details on Ward 7's redistricting process.
 

Below, you will find up-to-date information on the Council's redistricting process, including a Q&A that addresses many of the Frequently Asked Questions about redistricting, as well as a timeline of expected redistricting milestones.

Expected Timeline

  • August 12, 2021: Initial "legacy" Census data released (the 2020 Census data will first be released in a non-user friendly legacy format, a few weeks before the general data release. This data will be “cleaned up” by the District’s Office of Planning and will be made available through a user-friendly redistricting website in September.)
  • September 2021, date TBD: Official Census data released
  • September 2021, date TBD: Redistricting website launched, which will enable the public to use Census data to create their own recommendations on redrawing ward and ANC boundaries
  • Late September through late October 2021: Subcommittee will hold eight hearings on ward redistricting, one specific to each ward
  • Mid-November 2021: Subcommittee mark-up of the ward redistricting bill (we are technically a subcommittee of the Committee of the Whole)
  • December 7, 2021: First vote by the full Council on the ward redistricting bill
  • December 21, 2021: Second vote on the ward redistricting bill
  • December 2021: Ward Task Forces (which provide recommendations on ANC redistricting) start meeting
  • February 2022: Ward Task Forces report out recommendations
  • May 2022: Subcommittee mark-up of the ANC redistricting bill
  • June 2022: Council votes on the ANC redistricting bill

Resources

  • See an interactive map of the current ward boundaries here.
    • See an interactive map of the 2002 boundaries (the boundaries before the 2011 redistricting) here.
  • *NEW* Office of Planning website with initial summary data from the 2020 Census, available here.
  • The Council's legislative page for the bill that will be used to change the ward boundaries is here. (The introduced bill is just a placeholder bill with the old ward boundaries, to allow hearings to be scheduled.)
  • See the legislative histories for the 2011 and 2001 redistricting committees, including hearing videos, committee reports, proposed amendments, and vote results.
The New Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge
 
I was pleased to join my colleagues and other elected officials for the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge ribbon cutting last Tuesday. The new $440 million Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge replaces the 70-year-old bridge that has far outlived its usefulness.
 
The new bridge is one of the projects under the umbrella of the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative (AWI) Program. The bridge will improve the District’s transportation infrastructure by including safer traffic patterns for vehicles and pedestrians, while increasing economic development and job opportunities for Ward 7 and District residents.  For more information, visit: anacostiawaterfront.org.
DC's Ticket Amnesty Program Ends September 30th!
 
September 30th is the last day to take advantage of DC's ticket amnesty program. Here is more information: ow.ly/Mq5u50G5J7M
DPR's Stand-alone Spray Parks Open until September 26th!

All of the District's stand-alone spray parks will remain open through September 26th. To find a spray park near you, visit https://bit.ly/3t8W17B
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement Update
Mayor Bowser recently announced that all DC government employees, contractors, interns, and grantees must be fully vaccinated by Sunday, September 19th.  Full COVID-19 vaccination is required for all DC government new-hires who were appointed to job vacancies posted on or after August 14th.

Employees and employment candidates may be exempted from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for medical or religious reasons.  However, any unvaccinated employee, even those who have medical or religious reasons for an exemption, will be required to conduct weekly COVID-19 testing to maintain employment.
 
Please be aware that in addition to the mandate for all government workers, all healthcare workers are now required to be vaccinated as well. Here is more information: 
Families can now schedule appointments at vaccinate.dc.gov so that children can receive required school immunizations. Pop-up clinics at select schools will offer free immunization and COVID vaccination to eligible youth now through September 30th.

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. User guides for the portals are available for organizations and vaccine providers.
COVID-19 Vaccination Process
for Homebound Residents

My office received a lot of calls from Ward 7 and District residents about the need to engage directly with the population of residents, especially those in large buildings, who may not be connected to social media or who may have mobility challenges. I relayed these concerns during the Council’s weekly COVID-19 calls with the Bowser administration. As such, I am pleased that residents can now use the information listed below to request homebound services for themselves or loved ones. I will continue to work with the Bowser administration to help vaccinate people who might otherwise miss out. Here’s more information:
COVID-19 Update
 
Currently, there are 57,771 confirmed cases of Coronavirus in the District, and tragically 1,165 deaths caused by COVID-19. African Americans still account for 75% of COVID-19 deaths in Washington, DC compared to about 46% of population.  If you are not fully vaccinated, please continue to wear your face coverings and practice social distancing while out in public or indoors.
AT-HOME TESTING KITS
 
The District has partnered with healthcare providers so that DC residents can now be tested for COVID-19 at home. For at-home, on-demand care and COVID testing, call Ready Responders at (202) 602-0814. Ready comes to your home, is open 8am to 8pm, seven days per week, and serves all 8 Wards. For more information on COVID-19 home testing visit: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/testing.
ANSWER THE CALL!

Tracking and contact tracing are very important parts of the District’s strategy to eliminate the community spread of COVID-19.  The District contact tracers report to Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt, Director of DC Health (the Department of Health). Contact tracing allows the District to contact persons who have been exposed to a COVID-positive individual.  Fast and effective contact tracing is important for controlling the spread of the virus and will need to be part of any strategy for decreasing community spread and school reopening. Dr. Nesbitt indicated that the District is having difficulty convincing COVID-positive persons to be forthcoming, confidentially sharing about all of the individuals with whom they have been in contact.  We must work at conveying the message that contact tracing is not about embarrassing or stigmatizing a person, but instead, is about keeping the community safe while remaining anonymous.
FREE MEALS & GROCERY DISTRIBUTION SITES 
SERVICES FOR SENIORS
SUPPORT FOR WOMEN, FAMILIES AND CHILDREN
SNAP ALERT!
 
The District of Columbia Department of Human Services (DHS) has launched DC Access, a mobile application providing District residents with a user-friendly way to apply or recertify for cash, food, and medical benefits.
 
Click here to visit the site: https://mayor.dc.gov/release/mayor-bowser-highlights-dc-access-mobile-app-residents-apply-and-recertify-public-benefits.
ALERT!

CHANGES TO UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE 
Business members of our community have been affected as well but are not without support. For more information and to access the DC COVID-19 Business Inquiry Form, visit: Coronavirus.dc.gov/recovery-business. Here are some additional resources. 
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:
 
D.L. Humphrey – Director of Constituent Services
Email:  dhumphrey@dccouncil.us
Cell:     (202) 704-4304 

D.L. comes with more than a decade of service to the residents of Ward 7.  Raised in the Penn Branch neighborhood, D.L. 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, D.L. 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@dccouncil.us
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. 
 
NEW DC WATER PROJECT FOR YOUR AREA
Manager, Community Outreach: Emanuel D. Briggs               
(202)787-2003 or emanuel.briggs@dcwater.com


Greetings 7B, 7C, 7D and 7F Commissioners:   

This message is intended to inform you of a new DC Water project that will greatly benefit your area. DC Water recently launched the ‘Lead Free DC’ initiative, whereby we are aiming to replace all remaining lead and galvanized iron water service lines to residential properties across the District by the year 2030! Under this initiative, service line replacement (from the water main in the street to the home) will be completed for FREE, at no cost to the customer.
 
Some homeowners in your area have a lead or galvanized iron service line. Lead exposure can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead can damage the kidneys and brain and has been linked with deficiencies in neurodevelopment. Adults with kidney problems and high blood pressure can be affected by low levels of lead more than healthy adults. Therefore, we strongly encourage homeowners to take advantage of this free pipe replacement project. Project information will be posted  www.dcwater.com and Next Door.
 
FEMA is offering help through the establishment of the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program. This new program allows eligible funeral expenses to be reimbursed directly to the loved ones who incurred those expenses. Individuals who apply may receive up to $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,500 for multiple funerals that occurred within the same state or territory. The sooner people with eligible expenses begin their application, the sooner they can receive their reimbursement.

One of the most important steps for individuals interested in applying is to first understand the program’s eligibility and documentation requirements. To be eligible for funeral assistance, you must meet these conditions:
  • The death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
  • The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.
  • The person applying on behalf of the deceased individual must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020.
If you had COVID-19 funeral expenses, we encourage you to gather the following documentation and have it ready when you start your application:
  • An official death certificate that attributes the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
  • Funeral expenses documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that includes the applicant’s name, the deceased person’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses happened.
  • Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. We are not able to duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government agencies, or other sources.
The program does reimburse eligible expenses; however, patience is encouraged upon submitting your application. It can take several weeks from the time all the necessary documentation has been collected for the funds to be disbursed. The best way to reduce the wait and speed up the process is to be prepared with all of the required paperwork when you start the process. After you apply, stay tuned for any communications from FEMA as there may be follow-up questions needed to continue processing the application.
How to Apply
Call the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line Number:
844-684-6333 | TTY: 800-462-7585

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday | 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 
 
Preparations Begin for New Union Station-Deanwood-East Capitol Street Route to Launch in 2023!
 
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced that a new proposed route has been selected for the return of DC Circulator service to Ward 7. The new 14.56-mile DC Circulator route, which will launch in 2023, will provide a unique east/west connection between Ward 6 and Ward 7, supplementing the existing WMATA Route 97 service, which only operates during peak hours. 

The route will serve Deanwood, Benning Road, Stadium Armory, and Union Station Metrorail stations. 

The route was selected as part of the DC Circulator Transit Development Plan (TDP), which guides the future growth of the DC Circulator system and is updated every three years. As part of the 2020 update, DDOT is also proposing improvements to the Circulator system’s operations and performance District-wide as well as an extension of the Dupont Circle–Rosslyn (RS-DP) route to U Street NW, in addition to returning service to Ward 7.

I am glad that DDOT listened to our concerns and request that the circulator be brought back to Ward 7.  For more information about the DC Circulator, to learn more about providing feedback, and to get assistance in other languages, residents should visit dccirculator.com.
COVID-19 UTILITY ASSISTANCE!
More information and the application for this program is available through DOEE at doee.dc.gov/service/criac or by contacting criac.residential@dc.gov.  
Please stay safe, be well and get vaccinated now! 

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 
STAFF
Sheila E. Bunn
Chief of Staff
sbunn@dccouncil.us

Jordan M. Betters
Staff Assistant/Scheduler
jbetters@dccouncil.us

Takiyah "T.N." Tate
Director of Communications
ttate@dccouncil.us

Dexter L. Humphrey
Director of Constituent Services
dhumphrey@dccouncil.us

Tamika Finnell
Deputy Director of Constituent Services
tfinnell@dccouncil.us

Terrance Norflis
Legislative Director
tnorflis@dccouncil.us

Meilen Teklemichael
Legislative Aide
mteklemichael@dccouncil.us

Committee on Health
(202) 727-7774
 

Eric J. Goulet, J.D.
Committee Director/Senior Counsel
egoulet@dccouncil.us

Michelle Loggins
Deputy Committee Director
mloggins@dccouncil.us


Malcolm Cameron
Legislative Analyst

mcameron@dccouncil.us

 
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Office of Councilmember Vincent C. Gray 

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