Oversight Roundtable on Eligibility Determination at Virginia Williams Family Resource Center – October 8, 2026

The Committee on Human Services, chaired by Councilmember Matt Freeman (Ward 3), held an oversight roundtable on the eligibility determination process at the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center, operated by the Department of Human Services (DHS). The meeting examined barriers families face when accessing homeless services, including documentation requirements, the Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP), and treatment of domestic violence survivors. Chairperson Freeman expressed disappointment that DHS failed to provide requested documents, including eligibility scripts, citing operational concerns. Councilmember Trayon White also offered opening remarks emphasizing the need for equitable services.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Domestic Violence Survivors and Advocates: Multiple witnesses from the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence (Michaela Deming, Dawn Dalton, Teresa Poor) testified that survivors face barriers including ID requirements, lack of trauma-informed care, inappropriate diversion to unsafe living situations, and failure to properly screen for domestic violence. They reported that only 4% of families seeking services at Virginia Williams were referred to DASH (domestic violence services) in FY26, and that DHS has not implemented past recommendations. Jasmine Ferguson (Community Family Life Services) noted that her transitional housing program does not receive referrals from Virginia Williams and that the SPADAT assessment tool is not used effectively to connect clients to housing.
• Families and Legal Advocates: Lejuan Brooks (Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless) described families being asked for impossible documentation (e.g., former landlord letters, friend's lease) and denied shelter despite having no safe place to stay. He noted that legal services are no longer on-site at Virginia Williams, and that the clinic's flyers were removed from the building security desk. Tamika Kennedy, Monique Jackson, Charmaine Brown, and Jasmine Waters shared personal stories of repeated denials due to lack of documents, being told to stay with unsafe relatives, or having to prove homelessness by showing vehicles. Ms. Kennedy was only placed after advocacy from the Legal Clinic. McKenna Osborne (Children's Law Center) raised concerns about HPP operating as a shelter denial without appeal rights, lack of transparency and regulations, and that 50% of HPP participants return to Virginia Williams within two years.
• Additional Virtual Witnesses: Shoney Jones (Family Voices DC) stated HPP is misused as a barrier, funding is limited to three months (six if leaving DC), and that a public data dashboard is needed. Joanny Enriquez (DC SAFE) stressed the need for safety-centered diversion and consistency. Robin Swanson (Volunteer Legal Advocates) highlighted that survivors often do not self-identify and that intake scripts remain secret, preventing verification of trauma-informed screening. Other witnesses (Tamisha Lawrence, Michael Campbell, Keisha Briscoe, Dineta Lewis, Britt Ruffin, Charisse Lew) testified to being denied shelter despite having no safe place, being asked for multiple contacts, and experiencing hostile treatment. Charisse Lew (Washington Legal Clinic) called the 75% shelter denial rate unlawful and urged amendment of the Homeless Services Reform Act (HSRA).

Discussion Items

• Director Pierre's Testimony: DHS Director Rachel Pierre stated that eligibility follows HSRA criteria (residency, family definition, homelessness). She emphasized prevention and diversion, noting that shelter is a last resort. She reported that in FY26, 4,672 assessments were completed, with 52% referred to HPP and 14% entering shelter. She stated that interim eligibility is used when documents are lacking, and that staff are trained to serve families with compassion. Director Pierre noted that HPP regulations are in development and should be published next year.
• Documentation and Interim Eligibility: Chairperson Freeman pressed on why families are denied for lack of documents when HSRA prohibits denial solely for inability to prove residency or homelessness. Director Pierre responded that interim eligibility is available and that staff have flexibility to verify through data systems. She acknowledged that customer service issues may occur and that she would review cases.
• HPP Transparency and Effectiveness: Councilmembers questioned the high rate of HPP referrals and lack of appeal rights. Director Pierre argued that HPP prevents homelessness and that only 2.5% of HPP families return to shelter. She stated that shelter is provided if a family has no safe place to stay. The committee discussed the need for clear HPP regulations and data on outcomes.
• Domestic Violence Training and Screening: Witnesses and Councilmember White raised concerns about DHS staff training on domestic violence. Director Pierre stated that DASH provides monthly training and that the assessment form (FAM) was developed with DASH input. She denied cuts to DASH training funding and noted that a co-located DASH team is available. She agreed to review the percentage of DV identifications dropping from 10% to 4%.
• Access to Legal Services: Brooks and others requested a reinstated presence of the Washington Legal Clinic at Virginia Williams. Director Pierre explained that the lease restricts non-provider organizations and that space is limited, but the clinic's information is included in denial notices and she is open to continued meetings.
• Data and Transparency: Chairperson Freeman suggested a public dashboard similar to DOB's, and Director Pierre said she would explore the idea. The committee also discussed publishing HPP regulations, providing definitions of safe housing, and tracking outcomes by intervention type.

Key Outcomes

• DHS committed to providing outstanding documents, including the evidence-based assessment tool (WestAT), following the hearing.
• DHS will work to publish HPP regulations within the next year, including eligibility criteria and transparency measures.
• Director Pierre agreed to review individual cases mentioned in testimony and to improve customer service training.
• The committee will follow up on proposals for a public data dashboard and a consumer advisory group.
• No formal votes were taken; the record will remain open until 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2026 for written testimony.