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Homeless and Unsheltered

This week, as the winter cold finally begins to set in, our thoughts turn to those most at risk of being caught out in the elements, the area's homeless residents. Numbers are extremely hard to pin down, but a 2006 survey by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments estimates there are about twelve thousand homeless people living in the Washington region on any given day. About 1500 are literally living on the street, the so-called "unsheltered." And this is the population that faces the greatest risk in the cold weather. Metro Connection's Sidsel Overgaard spent time with one particularly outspoken figure, and has this profile.

Street Sense

In November, Street Sense - the twenty page monthly newspaper that focuses on poverty and homelessness in DC - turned three years old. Produced by volunteers, the paper is distributed by vendors who also happen to be homeless. And not only do homeless people help distribute the paper, they also contribute articles. We're joined by Executive Director Laura Thompson Osuri, Vendor Manager Jesse Smith Jr., and Phillip Howard.

The Exponent Awards - Jubilee Housing

We shift from homelessness to the issue of affordable housing in the District. In DC's Adams Morgan and Columbia Heights neighborhoods, the sound of construction is everywhere. Luxury condos seem to be popping up every few blocks. Rents have risen sharply, making it hard for many low and moderate-income earners to stay.

One nonprofit is trying to preserve some affordable space in the neighborhood. Jubilee Housing has been operating low-rent buildings for thirty years. The faith-based organization was re-energized a few years ago, when a new Executive Director took over. A few weeks ago, Jim Knight received the Meyer Foundation's first "Exponent Award," for his work. The award was designed to bring attention to the issue of burnout among talented nonprofit leaders. Metro Connection's Jessica Smith has this report, the final in our five-part series on the Exponent award winners.

Chief Cathy

DC Mayor-elect Adrian Fenty's nominee for Police Chief Cathy Lanier is expected to assume her new position in January. She's already mulling over how to carry out Fenty's top priority, improving "community policing." Fenty wants Lanier to get more officers on the streets and increase their interaction with residents. Lanier is a 16-year veteran of the force who started as a patrol officer. She spoke with Metro Connection's Lisa Nurnberger about how she dealt with professional - and personal - difficulties and her plans for community policing. Lanier says she wants each neighborhood to develop its own "tailored" approach along with the patrol officers.

Presents for Paws

During the holiday season charities around the region see increased volunteering and donations to help people in need. But what about pets? Well, the Washington Animal Rescue League hasn't forgotten them. Founded in 1914, the group even had an "apple donation" back in the day, to give sweet treats to working horses pulling carriages through the city streets.

Things have changed a bit. For five years now, the League has been running the "Presents For Paws" program, a pet supplies drive to help financially-strapped families provide for their dogs and cats during the holiday season. Metro Connection's Stephanie Kaye went to the shelter and spoke with League communications director Jim Monsma.

The League will be accepting presents for pets through December 16th.

The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions

As a travel writer there are certain questions you hear all the time, year after year via e-mail, snail mail and when cornered at cocktail parties - the questions ones you KNOW you better be prepared for. Luckily, Metro Connection travel editor Jim Yenckel has been taking careful notes and he has ALL the answers today to your most pressing regional travel queries.

Commentary by Reuben Jackson - Snowfall

Writer Reuben Jackson has a warning for this particular time of year, when we may hear the word which has such a profound impact on the Washington area...SNOW.

Reuben Jackson is a writer living in the District. Watch for his smiling face during the next snowfall.