THE tiny flat in northeast Washington, DC was damp and verminous but, after six months living in a hostel for the homeless, Sarah and her 10-year-old daughter loved it. Even with its defects, the flat was more than Sarah could afford; the rent is $900, which is roughly what she earns, as a part-time lollipop lady, helping schoolchildren across the road. Washington DC’s government covered half the cost—but, under the terms of its “rapid rehousing” programme, only for three years and now the family’s time is almost up. Sarah has been served with an eviction notice and worries she will soon have to move back to a hostel or a shelter.
Her story is a common one, according to a recent report published by Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless. Washington has the highest rate of homelessness among America’s big cities. Among families it is particularly high. Between 2013 and 2017, according to an annual one-day count, the number of homeless families in the district rose by 23%, to almost 1,200. This year’s tally showed...Continue reading
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