The E Street Bridge Housing Program to aid those who are unhoused in Washington, D.C., is slated to open this fall.
WASHINGTON — As the Trump administration continues to eradicate homeless encampments across the District, officials are working to find ways to help those in need. On Aug. 21, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the opening of the District’s second non-congregate bridge housing program.
The E Street Bridge Housing Program is scheduled to open this fall, following the opening of The Aston last year.
“Building on the success of The Aston, our new bridge housing program at E Street will increase our capacity to meet people where they are and bring more people into shelter,” said Mayor Bowser.
E Street, like The Aston, will provide individuals with semi-private rooms and individualized case management. Each room would be equipped with two twin beds and a private bathroom. Some rooms have larger single beds to accommodate couples.
The building has hundreds of rooms equipped to house 190 people. During hypothermia season, E Street will take in an additional 25 people.
The E Street Bridge Housing Program will also provide grab-and-go food options as well as employment, mental health, and substance abuse services through a partnership with Miriam’s Kitchen.
“E Street will significantly expand the capacity of the District’s single adult system while providing additional diversification and flexibility to serve individuals whose needs can’t be accommodated in a low-barrier shelter setting,” said A.D. Rachel Pierre, Acting Director of the DC Department of Human Services.
The bridge housing model is designed to serve four primary unhoused populations:
- Residents experiencing unsheltered homelessness whose service needs are best met in this type of setting.
- Families without minor children, couples, and other household configurations, including those of different genders, who need stable short-term arrangements.
- Individuals matched to a permanent housing resource through the District’s Continuum of Care who are working through their housing lease-up process.
- Women in need of specialty accommodations (e.g., seniors).
Prioritization to reside at E Street will be determined through a Coordinated Assessment and Housing Placement system. Those accepted into the program will be allowed to stay up to 90 days.
This is the second non-congregate bridge shelter in the city, which, according to officials, serves as an in-between for those who do not want to live in shelters, but also are not ready for a voucher program.
The building is located at 25 E Street NW and is expected to open in September.
