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Today, I had the honor of walking through Cedar Gardens (Formally known as Fredrick Douglass), Maple View Flats, Butler Gardens (Formally Known as Cedar Heights), and stopping by to speak with residents of Talbert Street. 

These visits are never easy, and I deeply understand how vulnerable it is for residents to open their homes and share their stories. I am so grateful to everyone who welcomed me in and allowed me to see firsthand the lack of care and safety they’ve been subjected to.

A special thank you to ANC leaders Jamila White, SMD 8A05, and Robin McKinney, SMD 8A06, for their unwavering advocacy and for ensuring that the concerns of Ward 8 residents are heard and addressed.

I also want to thank the Office of the Tenant Advocate, represented by Christopher Lucas and Cristobal Puig, and the Office of the Attorney General, represented by Aaron Jenkins, & Sam from WI, for joining us on this walkthrough and witnessing these conditions firsthand. Your presence reinforces the urgency of real accountability and action.

I also want to express my deep appreciation to:

✔️ Violence Interrupter – Raymond from J&J, for keeping our communities safe and engaged.
✔️ Corey Shaw from Empower DC, for his commitment to housing advocacy and community organizing.
✔️ Wanda Lockridge, Chief of Staff for Ward 8, for her leadership and dedication to Ward 8.
✔️ Monique Diop, Constituent Services for Ward 8, for her direct engagement with residents in need.

What we witnessed today was unacceptable:
❌ Mold in multiple units—residents waiting for months for remediation.
❌ No heat in bathrooms—leaving families in cold conditions this winter.
❌ Security breaches—doors held together with duct tape, non-functional entry systems.
❌ Fire safety systems offline—creating major risks.
❌ Rodent infestations, broken appliances, and unmet maintenance requests that have left residents feeling unheard and forgotten.

These are homes, not just buildings. These are real families living in conditions that no one should ever have to endure. We are committed to ensuring that everyone in Ward 8 has safe, dignified housing.

But this isn’t just about seeing the problem—it’s about taking action.
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