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Community Safety, Domestic Violence & Crisis Resources

Ward 3 and the District of Columbia offer a network of specialized government programs and community organizations to support residents impacted by domestic violence, violent crime, or trauma. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Immediate Crisis & Mental Health Support DC Victim Hotline Description: A confidential, trauma-informed resource providing 24/7 crisis intervention, safety planning, and direct referrals for crime victims and survivors. Hours: Available 24/7/365. Contact: Call or text 1-844-4HELPDC (1-844-443-5732). Website: dcvictim.org DBH ACCESS Helpline Description: Operated by the DC Department of Behavioral Health, this line connects individuals to psychological support and can dispatch Mobile Crisis Teams directly to adults or children experiencing severe trauma. Hours: Available 24/7/365. Contact: Call 1-888-7WE-HELP (1-888-793-4357). Website: dbh.dc.gov MPD Victim Services Branch (VSB) & Family Liaison Unit Description: Specialized law enforcement liaisons who work directly with homicide detectives to offer immediate emotional care, case updates, and grief referrals to families and witnesses. Hours: Standard business hours with 24/7 on-call dispatch for active scenes. Contact: Call MPD Main Line at (202) 727-9099. Website: mpdc.dc.gov…

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Heat Emergency Alert: July 1 – July 5, 2026

The District of Columbia has issued an Extreme Heat Alert effective Wednesday, July 1, through Sunday, July 5, due to anticipated temperatures exceeding 100°F and heat indices above 105°F. The Office of Councilmember Frumin is committed to ensuring all residents have access to cooling resources and shelter during this time. Emergency Assistance & Shelter If you are in need of shelter or transportation to a cooling location, please utilize the following resources: Shelter Hotline: Call 202-399-7093 or 311. This line is available 24/7. Transportation: From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., the Shelter Hotline can provide on-demand welfare checks and transportation to a safe, air-conditioned cooling location. Availability: There is sufficient capacity in District shelters 24/7. If you are experiencing homelessness or need relief from the heat, please do not hesitate to call.   Cooling Resources & Buses In addition to standard cooling centers, the following resource is available: MLK Library Cooling Buses: Available July 3, 4, and 5, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Ward 3 Cooling: Cooling Busses will be located in Tenleytown between…

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PRESS RELEASE – Councilmember Frumin Introduces Legislation to Improve How Child Support Reaches DC Families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT: Kevin Caudill, Communications Director - kcaudill@dccouncil.gov; (202) 741-2134 WASHINGTON, DC — Councilmember Matt Frumin (Ward 3), Chair of the Committee on Human Services, today introduced the Child Support Improvement Amendment Act of 2026, alongside Attorney General Brian Schwalb and Councilmember Brooke Pinto (Ward 2). The legislation updates the District’s child support system to ensure that payments collected on behalf of children are delivered more directly, consistently, and effectively to families. Child support is a critical source of stability for many low-income households, particularly for families receiving or previously receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Yet under current law, much of the child support collected in these cases is diverted to reimburse government costs before families see any benefit. As a result, parents may receive only a portion of the support paid on behalf of their children, creating confusion for families navigating the system and limiting their ability to cover basic needs. The Child Support Improvement Amendment Act of 2026 makes targeted, practical changes to address these challenges. By ensuring that more child support dollars reach families and by clarifying enforcement rules, the…

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The 51st News – Libraries can’t afford the high cost of e-books. D.C. lawmakers want to fight back. READ MORE