DC predicts surge in homeless families this winter

WASHINGTON (AP) — A new report says the District of Columbia should expect another surge in homeless families this winter.

The Washington Post (http://wapo.st/1Cowx5T ) reports the city’s plan for sheltering homeless people during cold weather predicts more than 820 homeless families will seek services this winter. That’s up 16 percent from last year.

A coalition of city leaders, social service agencies and advocates approved the plan Tuesday.

The plan recommends the city act quickly to find more units and buildings to house homeless families. At the current rate, the plan predicts every family shelter will be filled by December.

Last winter, the District struggled to accommodate 723 homeless families who sought services. The city began sending families to hotels and motels along New York Avenue and later in Maryland and to recreation centers.

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Information from: The Washington Post, http://www.washingtonpost.com

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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