(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and District leaders toured E Street, the District’s second non-congregate bridge housing program, which is expected to open this fall. E Street builds on the success of The Aston, which opened last year as the first-of-its-kind non-congregate housing program, and is a key part of the Bowser Administration’s long-term strategy to reduce homelessness through innovative services and expanded housing options.
“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. “We know that the safest place for people to be is inside, and so another part our message today is that we have shelter space available for everyone who needs it.”
Over the past decade, the Bowser Administration has transformed the family homelessness system by closing DC General and replacing it with smaller, service-enriched shelters in every ward; expanding prevention programs and services; and more. As a result, family homelessness is down 61% since 2015, including an 18.1% decrease in the past year.
The new bridge housing programs at The Aston and E Street are part of the overall transformation of the District’s shelter system, and a important piece in the work to drive down homelessness among single adults by building safer and more dignified shelter options, expanding access to behavioral supports, and lowering barriers to entry.
E Street, like The Aston, will provide unsheltered individuals and other adults experiencing homelessness with semi-private rooms and individualized case management to support more effective connections to permanent housing. The District’s non-congregate 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).
“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.
DHS and The Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness selected Miriam's Kitchen to provide housing-focused case management and other supportive services to E Street clients. Prioritization to reside at E Street will be determined through a Coordinated Assessment and Housing Placement system. E Street will be able to accommodate up to 190 people, with additional overflow capacity as needed during hypothermia season.
DHS and the DC Department of General Services (DGS) will continue over the next several weeks to oversee the building renovations to ensure the renovations and upgrades are finalized to begin serving clients. DHS will also continue to engage and inform the local community, including neighbors and nearby businesses.
“The E Street facility represents a vital step forward in providing safe, stable shelter for our neighbors in need.” said Delano Hunter, Director of the DC Department of General Services. “When it opens, it will not only provide a roof over people’s heads, but also a dignified space. This project reflects Mayor Bowser’s commitment to building spaces that truly improve lives and strengthen community.”
In May, the District announcedthe results of the 2025 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, showing a 9% overall decrease in homelessness over the past year. Since 2020, homelessness in DC is down 19% overall.
The District provides 24/7 shelter year-round, and District resources are available for all unsheltered individuals to come inside and access support. Individuals can call (202) 399-7093 or 311 to request free, accessible transportation to shelter. Community members who see individuals in need of shelter can also call the Shelter Hotline to request services.
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