PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 6th, 2023
CONTACT:
Dr. Rhonda L. Hamilton – (240) 274-9436; advocates4mi@gmail.com
Ms. Cynthia L. Robinson – (301) 768-2101; cynlrob@aol.com
(WASHINGTON, DC) – Ward 8 Southeast, DC – Marbury Plaza Tenants United for Change Tenant Association members along with Marbury Plaza residents continue their plight for clean, safe, and habitable housing in both today’s testimonies before the UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, and also as guests on CBS radio.
Their “cries for justice” regarding the uninhabitable housing conditions and the city’s failed actions regarding laws that are not being aptly applied, or existing codes that remain ignored, continue to be at the forefront of their plight to be heard, and made whole. Many members of the DC Council continue to demonstrate a lack of political will towards correcting DC’s failed housing enforcements and oversight.
At-Large Council member and housing committee chairperson, Robert White, asked, in a recent meeting with Marbury Plaza tenants, “what good will amendments do when laws that are already on the books are not enforced?” When the tenants and their advocate, Dr. Rhonda L. Hamilton, expressed the need to become more proactive as opposed to reactive, he commented that he wished he could share their optimism. Mr. White shared his interest in working with the tenants and Dr. Hamilton regarding their Tenant Bill of Rights proposed amendments, however, he expects that the mayor would present a hindrance to these efforts. The proposed amendments to the Tenant Bill of Rights, which were given to Mr. White and asked to be “voted” upon at the upcoming January 2024 hearings, allows for the much-needed oversight, and protections for the thousands of elders, active adults and children who are residing in DC’s housing systems, and who face overexposure to severe toxins, hazards, failed safety, and imposed mental health realities.
City council members including the chairman Phil Mendelson have also been provided with a copy of the proposed amendments to the Tenants Bill of Rights, which includes the implementation of a task force that would incorporate dominant representation of DC tenants, along with other key city representatives. Offending slumlords will suffer increased penalties including the suspension of licenses, and additionally imposed fines. Marbury Plaza residents want progressive change for the city’s current housing laws, and code. Unfortunately, they feel that this change is most likely to come from the power of the people at the grassroots level and not from the elected, or appointed officials of the District’s current governing body.
The mayor’s current agenda appears to place business development, and greed above advancing healthy solutions for the many oppressed District marginalized tenants who are residing with uninhabitable, and unsafe community conditions. Join the Marbury Plaza tenants as they continue the fight for their dignity, to be heard, and the right to be made whole! Marbury Plaza Tenants need your voices! Please email DC legislators and officials today, with the subject: JUSTICE FOR MARBURY PLAZA & for ALL DC TENANTS, along with your message of support for District tenants’ plight to have clean, safe, and habitable housing. It’s time to unite in the fight to save DC citizens! For more information: www.healthydcandme.org #thewoodberryproject!
Thank you,
Dr. Rhonda L. Hamilton
M.I. Mother’s Keeper
Healthy D.C. & Me Leadership Coalition
Executive Director/President
240-274-9436 or
1-844-36HELP2!
1-888-389-7209 fax
www.mimotherskeeper.com
www.healthydcandme.org
Facebook: Rhonda L. Hamilton
Facebook: Healthy DC & ME Coalition