One of the District’s most helpful tools is 311 – you can dial 311, submit a service request online, or download the 311 app. If your issue isn’t addressed by 311 or your request hasn’t been resolved, contact our office for assistance. The Councilmember’s team is dedicated to helping residents navigate city services. Estelle McKinney is the Director of Constituent Services: [email protected].

Impact of Recent Federal Actions on D.C.

We are facing the most difficult time in the history of Home Rule for the District of Columbia, with a full-on assault on our autonomy, and an attempt to take control of our police department and force D.C. agencies to participate in activities not allowed by D.C. laws. I held a town hall to discuss the impact of recent events and what residents can do. We have a page to help you understand your rights, and my team and I have compiled resources specific to immigrants’ rights. We also have a list of resources for federal and other employees facing unemployment. I know the people of the District of Columbia are strong, resilient and we know how to come together when times are tough. Ward 1 stands together and protects one another.

DC 311

These and many more common services can be requested via the 311 app (iOS and Android), website, or phone line (311):

• Missed trash or recycling collection
• Bulk trash collection
• Rodent inspection and treatment
• Alley cleaning Street and sidewalk repair
• Park, pool, playground, and other DC facilities maintenance issues
• DMV issues
• Construction complaints
• Graffiti removal
• Illegal dumping
• Trash can repair and replacement
• Parking enforcement
• Streetlight repair
• Traffic signal issues
• And many others

Unemployment

• Find information on unemployment benefits, housing assistance, food and health care support.
• File an unemployment claim with the D.C. Department of Employment Services
• File a wage theft claim with the D.C. Department of Employment Services
• File a workers compensation claim with the D.C. Department of Employment Services

Utilities

• Apply for LIHEAP utility bill assistance, a program from the D.C. Department of Energy & Environment to assist income-eligible District households with heating and cooling energy costs
• Apply for the Utility Bill Discount Program with the D.C. Department of Energy & Environment
• Find assistance with PEPCO, DC Water, or Washington Gas
• Contact the Office of the People’s Counsel for other assistance and advice on utility issues

Housing Assistance

• Reach out to the Office of the Tenant Advocate for advice on your tenant rights
• Apply for emergency rental assistance (ERAP) through the DC Emergency Rental Assistance Program
• For safety, building code compliance, and construction concerns, request an inspection from the Department of Buildings
• For grants for homeowners who have been affected by COVID-19 to help keep their home, contact the D.C. Homeowner Assistance Fund
• Explore available home purchase assistance via Home Purchase Assistance Program with the D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development

Public Safety

• For emergencies, always call 911
• Reach the Metropolitan Police Department’s Third District
• Reach the Metropolitan Police Department’s Fourth District
• Connect with the Third District Citizens Advisory Council

Behavioral Health

• To reach behavioral health care providers at the Department of Behavioral Health 24/7 Access Helpline, call 1-888-793-4357
• To reach the Community Response Team to obtain assistance for a neighbor in crisis, call 202-673-9300

Cold Weather/Hypothermia

• During hypothermia season (Nov 1 – March 31), the Shelter Hotline is available 24/7. If you need help or see someone outside needing shelter or a welfare check, please call the Shelter Hotline at (202) 399-7093 or dial 311. If there is an immediate risk to safety, call 911.
• The Ward 1 low-barrier shelter is the Salvation Army located at 3335 Sherman Ave. NW. A map of more low-barrier shelters around the District can be found here.
• Sign up for free email and/or text alerts at alert.dc.gov.
• Organizations that provide outreach to unhoused neighbors, connect them to critical services, and provide direct aid: 
  • Miriam’s Kitchen (Ward 1 cluster provider) 
  • Remora House DC
  • Pathways to Housing 
  • Community Connections 

Immigration

Find information on organizations providing legal and other assistance on immigration issues, plus additional resources, in English and Spanish.

Know Your Rights

Know your rights, and make sure your friends and neighbors know their rights. Ward 1 stands together to protect each other.

Food Assistance Resources

The following are food assistance resources available in Ward 1.
LinkU is a District-wide directory from DC Health of food assistance, housing, and more. Food Helpline also lists available resources across D.C.

• Martha’s Table: 1474 Columbia Rd NW 
  • Food pantry open weekdays 11 AM – 4 PM 
  • Maycroft Office does not require an appointment or pre-registration 

• Francis On The Hill: 1498 Chapin St NW
  • Free groceries for Columbia Heights residents on Tuesdays 1:30 PM 
  • Francis On The Hill does not require an appointment or pre-registration  

• Walker Memorial Baptist Church: 2020 13th St. NW 
  • Grocery distribution 1st Wednesday and Third Thursday of the month, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM 
  • Please register here: https://www.wmbcdc.org/grocery-giveaway  

• YWCA National Capital Area Food Pantry: 2303 14th Street Northwest 
  • Please call 202-626-0700, extension 0 (Front Desk) to make an appointment. 

• Shrine of the Sacred Heart: 3211 Sacred Heart Way NW 
  • Prepared Meals Monday – Saturday, 4 – 5 PM 
  • Shrine of the Sacred Heart does not require an appointment or pre-registration

• The Family Place: 3309 16th Street NW
  • Schedule varies, call before going: (202) 265-0149
  • https://www.thefamilyplacedc.org/contact  

• Thrive DC: 1525 Newton Street NW 
  • Food pantry for clients Thursdays 10 – 11 AM 
  • Contact before 202-737-9311 

• Park Road Community Church: 1019 Park Road Northwest
  • Grocery distribution every 2nd or 3rd Sunday of the month 
  • Call 202-387-0556 to confirm if the distribution is 2nd or 3rd Sunday on that month
  • https://www.facebook.com/ParkRoad1019  

• Salvation Army, Sherman Avenue Corp: 3335 Sherman Ave NW 
  • Food Pantry Distribution  
  • Mondays and Fridays: 9:30am-12:00pm 
  • Every 3rd Tuesday of the month: 9:30am-12:00pm  
  • Every last Thursday of the month: 9:30am-12:00pm 
  • Referral required from social worker, community organization, or Salvation Army (no referral required for last Thursday of the month).  
  • Can also call Salvation Army District Social Services to get a referral based on low-income status: 202-332-5000