"No more in Ward 8 ... Enough is Enough"

(Washington DC - Ward 8) Ward 8 City Council Candidate, Natalie Williams is today calling upon the Council of the District of Columbia; specifically the District's at-large members, to enact emergency legislation regarding the number of group homes, transitional housing, and community-based residential facilities approved for Ward 8. Natalie Williams, along with residents and business leaders of the community, is planning a Community Sit-in at the Office of Councilman Marion Barry on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 8:45am-11:00am, followed by a press briefing at 11:30am in front of the Council Building.

"It has been brought to my attention that several other group homes have been given the thumbs up by Councilman Marion Barry without taking into account the desires of the community at-large,"  says Williams.  "I have dialogued with several community leaders and residents throughout our Ward, in recent months, who have made it clear that they are in total opposition to this. I strongly urge the Council to take a serious look at this issue and begin taking the necessary steps to ensure that limits are placed on such facilities per Ward; beginning with Ward 8. It is quite unfortunate that Councilman Barry believes that this is what's needed for our Ward at a time when our Ward is suffering economically. His actions, and in many cases lack thereof, continue to add insult to injury, and further degradation and division of our community."

Williams says that Ward 8 has done its fair share over the years in supporting the re-entry population, both youth and adults. Consider the facts - To date, there are over 30 support services and facilities just in the Anacostia District - an area that is highly regarded as the gateway of Ward 8 with continued unrealized promises of economic revitalization. A quick look at the facilities' proximity of each other confirms that there is a serious violation of the rules in place that are intended to prohibit them from being within 500 feet of each other - thus preventing an oversaturation.

Today's call for emergency legislation comes on the heels of the announced plans for the opening of The Becoming Church, also known as, Church of Christ Right Now, located in Ward 8 at 1410 S Street, SE, Washington DC. This location will be used to house adult men who are returning from prison and back into society. The Becoming Church is headquartered in the Adams Morgan community (Ward 1) with a planned transitional house here in Ward 8. In recent weeks, the community has also learned of other facilities, such as: the Good Hope Kitchen, a shelter for homeless women located at 1217 Good Hope Road whose board members and employees do not include residents of Ward 8; a planned group home on Valley Avenue, SE, Washington DC who is owned and operated by residents of Ward 6; and Efforts from Ex-Convicts Halfway House (EFEC) located at 1535 Galen Street, SE - just to name a few.

"I want to be very clear that I, nor community leaders, are not without support of our formerly incarcerated and our need as a community to embrace those who are trying to change their lives and become productive citizens. We are simply in opposition of the oversaturation of transitional housing, often disguised as churches, and other social service facilities inundating the place we call home. Why does Ward 8 have to continue to bare the brunt of this? Enough is enough! Facilities that provide such services as these are hurting the community at-large. The continued approval and/or entertaining of such by Councilman Marion Barry is downright counterproductive to the efforts of our community to be uplifted and empowered economically. Because facitlies such as these have a matter of right ... it does not make it right."

Williams adds that Councilman Barry's lack of oversight of his Ward is allowing for this over-saturation. "It is my plan to take a look at existing service programs, and determine how we can provide a level of capacity building and program enhancement to them for the sole benefit of all who are in need of such services.  

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