Homelessness

Federal officials say the United States saw an 18.1% increase in homelessness, a dramatic rise driven mostly by a lack of affordable housing as well as devastating natural disasters and a surge of migrants in several parts of the country.

Homelessness is at the top of the agenda for candidates in mayoral races across the U.S. West. But they differ on whether it’s OK to clear encampments that have spread as the crisis has deepened and how much to rely on temporary housing.

Maryland has been granted $2 million to aid youth experiencing homelessness, with funds directed to services and shelters that make a direct impact. 

Maryland has been granted $2 million to aid youth experiencing homelessness, with funds directed to services and shelters making a direct impact. News4’s Mauricio Casillas reports.
Window mural featured in the video story was created by DC artist Tammy Barnes — Instagram: @tbarnescreates.

The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that city laws which punish homeless people who sleep outside are constitutional and do not violate the Constitution’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment.

In downtown Atlanta, shipping containers have been transformed into an oasis for dozens of previously unsheltered people who now proudly call a former parking lot home. It’s just one example of micro communities that have been popping up across the U.S. In Denver, 1,500 people have been moved indoors through that city’s own micro community program.

In collaboration with Miriam’s Kitchen, Limani’s chefs are preparing and distributing hundreds of meals to District residents facing food insecurity or homelessness. 

High-end restaurant Limani has volunteered with Miriam’s Kitchen, a nonprofit working to combat homelessness in the District, to provide over 200 free meals for people experiencing food insecurity. News4’s Walter Morris has the story. 

The National Park Service and D.C. police cleared out multiple homeless encampments in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood on Thursday morning, affecting about 70 people.

The National Park Service and D.C. agencies cleared out several homeless encampments from the Foggy Bottom neighborhood, affecting about 70 people across six sites. News4’s Juliana Valencia reports.

Advocates for people experiencing homelessness demonstrated outside the Supreme Court on Monday as justices heard a case about whether cities can ban sleeping in public places. “This is the most important Supreme Court case about homelessness in 40 years,” Jesse Rabinowitz with the National Homelessness Law Center told News4’s Megan McGrath.

Advocates will display blankets and quilts as the Supreme Court considers a case about criminalizing homelessness. News4’s Megan McGrath reports.

The District opened a “Safe Commercial Corridor Hub” on Monday to connect residents to services in real time.

The District opened a “Safe Commercial Corridor Hub” on Monday to connect residents to services in real time. News4’s Juliana Valencia reports.

Multiple organizations in Prince George’s County have come together to help provide food, services and clothing to those in need. News4’s Dominique Moody reports.

William Sands was able to have a safe, warm place to sleep and also received a few essentials, including a fresh hat, gloves and socks.

As the D.C. area braces for another frigid night, the District has activated its cold weather emergency alert and opened warming centers across the city. News4’s Mark Segraves reports.

A fraternity is doing its part to help those braving the elements this winter. News4’s Mauricio Casillas reports D.C.’s Kappa Alpha Psi alumni chapter put care packages together Friday night and handed them out to people experiencing homelessness.

Carrying a casket representing the nearly 100 people who have died on D.C. streets so far this year, they marched to the Church of the Epiphany, where advocates, D.C. officials and many who are currently living on the streets gathered inside.

Thursday is National Homeless Persons Memorial Day, and it comes as the number of people experiencing homelessness across the nation has increased — and so as the number of those who have died on our streets. News4’s Mark Segraves reports.