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:
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.
Bern says
So, what happens to the people rousted out?
George says
So some of the homeless are gone, but they are slowly returning. I’ve also noticed families of rats residing amongst the homeless possessions and around the food trucks. Why can we keep this eye sore building up keep better.