Emergency Class Action Lawsuit Challenges Housing Terminations
Children’s Law Center, The Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless, and three prominent D.C. law firms filed a class action lawsuit this week with the D.C. Office of Administrative Hearings, requesting emergency relief for over 800 D.C. families facing an inevitable loss of housing due to the District’s unlawful mass terminations in the rapid re-housing program. The class action, believed to be the first of its kind in this forum, challenges the District’s refusal to provide families with an opportunity to be considered for an extension in the rapid re-housing program. The case has been filed on behalf of Angel Gregory, Sierra Moore, Britne Thomas and a class of similarly situated impacted families. Read More
During my time in rapid re-housing, I had three different case managers and little to no support in finding long-term housing. Then, when I got my exit letter – no one offered me options for how to apply for other housing. I don’t know what I’m going to do. My apartment would cost me more than I can afford without this support.
– Ms. Angel Gregory, mom of 3 year-old boy
Has your family received a rapid re-housing termination notice?
Call 202-328-5500 or email info@legalclinic.org
It is irresponsible, and potentially catastrophic, for the District to cut off housing assistance for over 800 D.C. families without any individualized conversations about the impact that action will have on the stability and well-being of those families. The District does not get a free pass to violate the rights of low-income D.C. residents just because it decides to.
– The Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless Executive Director Amber Harding
One plaintiff came home with a newborn to no heat or hot water. Another had sewage streaming through the apartment, putting their child’s health in danger. In all of these cases, rapid re-housing failed to support these families in their times of need despite the promise of case management. Despite not having anyone from the program there to support our clients in resolving these urgent issues or creating a realistic path toward long-term stability as offered by the program, the District is still attempting to terminate them from housing.
– Children’s Law Center Special Legal Projects Director Kathy Zeisel
This case is immensely important for every D.C. resident. We represent over 800 families that are facing the loss of their housing at a time when so many families cannot afford D.C. market rent. Without the rapid re-housing program subsidy, they cannot pay rent, and they’re likely to face eviction and become homeless. We’re asking the Office of Administrative Hearings to declare these Notices of Program Exit legally invalid, to retroactively reinstate all families back into the program, and to order DHS to consider our clients for extensions.
– Michelle D. Coleman, lead counsel
Media Inquiries
Contact Renata Aguilera-Titus: renata@legalclinic.org or 202-328-1263 or Allyson Boucher: aboucher@childrenslawcenter.org or 202-519-2126.
The plaintiffs on this case are represented by lawyers from The Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless, Children’s Law Center, and pro bono legal counsel led by Crowell & Moring partners Michelle D. Coleman and George Ruttinger, Steptoe LLP senior counsel James E. Rocap, and Combs & Taylor partner Kristen Reilly.
