WASHINGTON (AP) — An estimated 850 families are projected to be homeless in the District of Columbia this winter, a 16 percent increase from last year.
The city and its new mayor will have to confront the increase with fewer spaces at its main emergency shelter and questions over whether to shutter the rundown facility.
The Washington Post (http://wapo.st/ZpUuu3 ) reports that all three major mayoral candidates agree that the District needs a more caring approach.
D.C. Council member Muriel Bowser wants more apartments for homeless families and the D.C. General shelter closed. Council member David Catania would expand permanent rent supplement programs but isn’t sure whether the shelter should close. Former council member Carol Schwart says the city should “muddle through” winter until D.C. General is remodeled or another large-scale facility is built.
___
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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
