Dear Neighbor,
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, I am cherishing our many blessings and am inspired by the myriad of ways our community continues to find ways to give and spread love to one another. I hope this holiday season brings you hope and joy with cherished traditions, family and friends, and of course, some delicious food!
This Thanksgiving is especially meaningful for me as dozens of residents who have been experiencing homelessness move into the Aston this week – the first of its kind non-congregate bridge housing in Ward 2. This new model will welcome up to 100 residents to live in private spaces, build community, receive 24/7 case management support, have all meals provided, and work in collaboration with the onsite team to stabalize their lives and then transition into permanent housing.
This project has been years in the making and I want to thank the many partners who have been instrumental in making it happen including the Department of Human Services, the provider Friendship Place, and the Community Advisory Team of experts and residents we have been working with to ensure this project is successful for those moving in and for the surrounding community.
I am committed to continue to work with all our stakeholders in and around the community to ensure its continued success. My hope is that this model of housing can be provided in locations around the city as we strive to be more strategic and comprehensive in our mission to end homelessness.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Brooke
Rountable: On Monday, December 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, will hold a public oversight roundtable on the nomination of Kwelli Sneed to serve as the Executive Director of the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement Kwelli Sneed. The hearing will also include the future of the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE) to discuss the vision for the future of the ONSE and how it will position itself to fulfill its core mission to drive down gun violence. You can sign up to testify and learn more here.
City Center Tree Lighting: The City Center Tree Lighting will begin at 6 p.m. with festivities kicking off at 5 p.m.prior to the lighting. Councilmember Pinto will help light the tree and all are welcome to attend this free event.
Dupont Circle Holiday Market: The Dupont Circle Holiday Market is open now through December 15th, Monday - Friday noon - 8 p.m. and on the weekends from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Washington Post D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser taps permanent leader for gun violence agency Pinto said she will be pushing the agency to develop a consistent model for effective violence-intervention work, something she worried has been missing. And she wants a stronger focus on accountability and oversight of grantees, particularly considering the recent allegations.
WTOP DC residents, businesses sound off on proposed Capital One Arena deal “The arena is a pillar of Downtown D.C. and will continue to be a key component of our strategy to strengthen the future of downtown and the District,” she said. “Let’s also be clear that this investment that we’re making is about much more than what happens inside the arena. It’s also about maintaining a strong anchor for Downtown D.C. that is going to drive economic growth for decades to come.”
WTOP New feature for DC’s latest shelter to fight homelessness: Privacy As compared to other shelters, Ward 2 Council member Brooke Pinto said the Aston provides something different to the couples, adult families and individuals it houses. “Privacy — the need for housing in a noncongregate space where people can get on their feet,” Pinto said.
WUSA 9 DC transforms old college dorms into transitional shelter for adults facing homelessness D.C. officials expect residents to stay at The Aston for an estimated 90 days until they are connected with permanent housing. "Here in Ward 2, I don't know if everyone knows this, we have some of the highest amount of people experiencing homelessness. Particularly those who are living outside," Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto said during the ribbon cutting ceremony.
The Geogetowner DNA Testing Helped Catch ‘The Cuddler’ Pinto explained that the Secure DC law allows for DNA collection for violent offenses only after judicial review. “DNA testing played an important role in ‘The Georgetown Cuddler’ arrest,” she said. “This provision intends to help solve cases of serial sexual violence."
Marion Barry Jr. Legacy Murals: Recently, the completed Marion Barry Jr. Legacy Murals at the Marion S. Barry, Jr. Building were revealed to the public. Councilmember Pinto joined former First Lady of DC, Cora Masters Barry and many others to celebrate.
Leaf Collection Season: Collection began on October 28th, 2024 for DPW-serviced households. To access information regarding this year’s Leaf Collection, please click this link to visit DPW’s Leaf Collection page. Once collections begin, visit https://dpw.dc.gov/leaf to track leaf collection weekly. Download the MyDPW App leaf collection updates!
World Pride: 2025 marks the 50th Anniversary of Pride celebrations in Washington, DC! The District will be hosting World Pride May 17 through June 8, 2025. Councilmember Pinto is working across government to ensure a safe and celebratory experience for all.
