DHCD "community needs" hearings -- tonight and next week

From Pamela Hillsman:

Jalal Greene, Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), announces a series of public hearings on “Housing and Community Development Needs in the District of Columbia”. The hearings will form a basis for developing the District’s draft “Consolidated Plan for the District of Columbia Fiscal Year 2007 Action Plan” and the spending priorities utilizing federal entitlement funds. The public is invited to identify the needs of their communities and to comment on the Department’s performance during fiscal year 2005, in meeting the District’s housing and community development needs.

Residents and other stakeholders are strongly encouraged to come out and participate in the development of policies and programs in the following areas: 1) affordable housing; 2) special needs housing; 3) homelessness; 4) homeownership; and 5) community development and public service activities. The Department is also interested in receiving community feedback on innovative strategies to enhance community participation during this planning process. Five (5) public hearings will be held throughout the city:

Hearing Dates and Locations:

Tuesday, November 8, 2005 ~ 7:00 p.m.
Marshall Heights Community Development Organization
3939 Benning Road, NE

Tuesday, November 15, 2005 ~ 7:00 p.m.
Washington Highlands Library
115 Atlantic Street, SW

Wednesday, November 16, 2005 ~ 7:00 p.m.
Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church Family Life Center
605 Rhode Island Avenue, N.E.

Friday, November 18, 2005 ~ 12:00 p.m.
Focus: Special Needs Housing
(including housing needs for homeless, persons with disabilities, persons living with HIV/AIDS)
Department of Housing and Community Development
801 North Capitol Street, NE, 9th Floor Board Room

If you would like to testify, you are encouraged to sign up in advance either by e-mail or by calling 202.442.7256.
Please provide your name, address, telephone number, and organization affiliation, if any. Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) relay service is available by calling (800) 201-7165. A sign language interpreter and Spanish translation services will be provided at the hearing. Written statements may be submitted at the hearing, or until 4:45 p.m., Friday, November 18, 2005.

Written statements should be addressed to: Mr. Jalal Greene, Director, Department of Housing and Community Development, ATTN: Office of Strategy and Communications, 801 North Capitol Street, N.E., 8th Floor, Washington, D. C. 20002.