Columbia Heights in NW Washington, D.C. has experienced significant growth over the last decade with new housing and retail transforming the neighborhood. However, with the rise of housing prices and gentrification, homelessness has also grown, combined with substance abuse, alcoholism, and public health challenges.  

Columbia Heights is just one of many neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. experiencing an increase in homelessness among individuals. People on the streets are living in unsanitary conditions that put themselves and the whole neighborhood at risk.  Without a home, restroom, or safe storage center, they accumulate their belongings in shopping carts, which are found across the neighborhood. Our children playing in the community fountain witness drug use, run over vomit or urination and see people getting changed in public. Each day, we walk by people who are passed out unconscious on the sidewalks in extreme weather, in need of critical medical attention, over both the short and long-term. Some of these people are young adults and others belong to the LGBTQ community, targets of unwanted harassment and discrimination. We must help our homeless neighbors get back on their feet.

For example, one of the secondary vacant DC USA spaces can serve as an emergency medical facility and community resources day-center, to treat and serve the homeless until new housing units come online. These vacant spaces can offer public restrooms, showers, storage and other services for those in need.

I urge you to sign this petition today for us to unite in improving the living conditions and quality of life for everyone in Columbia Heights, beginning with our most vulnerable residents, the homeless. Share this petition on social media so we can reach Mayor Bowser as soon as possible to address this urgent situation. 

The community owes it to itself and each other to speak out in support of getting the homeless they help they deserve, and to cleaning up our streets.  By signing this petition, businesses and residents in the community will illustrate our commitment to making a difference, and being part of the solution. 

District of Columbia's Mayor Muriel Bowser's ambitious plan to end homelessness is one we should support and accelerate through mobilizing new resources to do everything within our means to solve this complex problem that affects us all. Declaring a State of Emergency for the homeless in Columbia Heights will help secure new funding for shelters and services to get our neighbors back on their feet. 

Author: Geovanny Vicente Romero