Update on the Van Ness homeless camp

The homeless encampment at Van Ness was removed by the District on January 29th. Here’s the process that led up to this:

As many as four homeless individuals resided at 4250 Connecticut Avenue at various times over the past few months. Van Ness Main Street Executive Director Theresa Cameron got the process started in a conference call with representatives of the  Mayor’s Office, Bernstein Management Company (the owner of the building), UDC (the lease holder as of February 1), and the Clean Team.  Eventually, a sign was posted at the site giving notice of the “general clean up of the public space” on Tuesday, January 29th.

On the cleanup day, there were two individuals living at 4250 Connecticut. According to Cameron, they declined offers of services and places to stay. 
Since this occurred just before the frigid polar vortex descended on DC, blankets and materials were left for one individual’s protection.

Mary Beth Ray wrote about a similar camp removal at the same location in August 2015, when she was ANC Commissioner. This is a complex process requiring the coordination of these and other agencies:

The Office of Neighborhood Engagement (ONE) upon notification of an encampment, notifies the primary agencies and arranges an assessment of the site in order to determine whether the encampment meets the threshold to trigger the protocol.

Department of Human Services (DHS) outreaches to displaced persons.

Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) provides outreach services to individuals residing in an encampment.

Department of Transportation (DDOT)provides traffic control services when the encampment cleanup is underway.

Department of Public Works (DPW) is responsible for collecting and disposing of debris.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) provides security during active clean-ups.

 

In addition, Friendship Place is a local homeless drop in center at 4713 Wisconsin Avenue that provides services, breakfast, lunch and a shower.  If you see someone who may need help, you can contact an outreach worker at [email protected] or call 202-441-2268.