(WASHINGTON, DC) – On Tuesday, October 9, at 5 pm, Mayor Bowser will cut the ribbon on The Horizon, a short-term family housing program in Ward 7, marking another step forward in delivering on her promise to close and replace DC General Family Shelter with dignified, service-enriched programs across all eight wards. The Horizon is the second of three short-term family housing programs opening this fall, following the opening of The Kennedy in Ward 4.
The newly constructed Ward 7 short-term family housing program will include thirty-five family units, computer labs for its residents, administrative space for staff and providers, an outdoor playground and recreational space, age-appropriate indoor recreation space and a homework/study lounge for residents.
Earlier this year, Mayor Bowser released her plan and timeline to close DC General Family Shelter by the end of 2018, keeping a promise to District residents to close – once and for all – the outdated shelter. In its place, smaller, more dignified programs are being built across the District. The first ribbon cutting was held Wednesday, September 26, at The Kennedy, the Ward 4 short-term family housing program, and the Ward 8 short-term family housing program will open next month. These short-term family housing programs join the Patricia Handy Place for Women, a low-barrier shelter for women in Ward 2 that began providing services to District women in need of a safe place to stay in early 2016. These short-term family housing programs are the centerpiece of the transformation of Mayor Bowser’s emergency response system for families.
WHEN:
Tuesday, October 9, at 5 pm
WHO:
Mayor Muriel Bowser
Councilmember Vincent Gray, Ward 7
Laura Zeilinger, Director, Department of Human Services
Greer Gillis, Director, Department of General Services
Keith Towery, Co-Chair, Ward 7 Short-Term Family Housing Advisory Team
WHERE:
The Horizon
5004 D Street, SE
*Closest Metros: Benning Road Metro Station*
Press interested in attending the event are asked to RSVP to [email protected]. To view the event online, visit mayor.dc.gov/live or tune in on Channel 16 (DCN).