Washington Post – Taking Up Residence in Petworth

Farah Fosse just bought a home in Petworth, but it wasn’t easy. The place she wanted also drew the interest of several developers, who offered cash up front for the place.

“Ultimately the owner wanted to sell it to a real person, so she accepted my offer even though it was lower than the developers,” she said.

Fosse was well prepared to deal with one of D.C.’s most quickly changing housing markets. Her work with the Latino Economic Development Corporation has focused on preserving affordable units for Latino families in Petworth, pushed north from Columbia Heights and Adams Morgan by rising housing costs.

To read the full article exploring how renters in Petworth are working to preserve affordable housing in the area, click here.

 

Ward 4 Guest Blog: What an Affordable Place to Live in DC Means to Me

Today’s guest blogger is Ward 4 resident Juanita Mckenzie, one of many DC residents who will speak at this Saturday’s Fourth Annual Citywide Tenant Town Hall. Juanita, along with 60 of her neighbors, are fighting to stay in their community after receiving notice in March that their apartment building was being sold.

My name is Juanita Mckenzie and I have lived at 930 Randolph Street N.W. in Petworth since October 25, 1974. I am a native Washingtonian and have lived in Northwest DC for over 60 years. I was born at Gallagher Hospital – which is now D.C. General Hospital.

Many people such as myself, and more than you might realize, need affordable housing. I know that I speak for many DC residents when I say the lack of affordable housing is a significant hardship for low income households, preventing many from meeting their other basic needs, such as nutrition and healthcare, or saving for their future and that of their families.

After living in my apartment building for 37 years, my building is up for sale. But I don’t want to leave this wonderful neighborhood.