Ami Angell, h3 Project
The h3 Project hopes that 2024 will bring about more awareness and advocacy for those experiencing homelessness. Which, in turn, will generate more action towards viable options in lessening the trauma of being housed, while awaiting placement. 2023 brought far too many deaths to clients loved by h3 staff. Among some that hit me the hardest are Brett “Brittany” Prue (3/6/23), James Theodore “Wolf” Duckett (2/2/23), Jake Moore (3/26/23), Lisa Wiles (10/31/23), Susan Worley (11/5/23), Robert Woodrow “Papa Murphy” Murphy (11/26/23), Charmaine Evans (10/25/23), andPatrick Bernard McGahee (8/2/23). Each of these individuals I — and all of h3 staff — cared deeply about, and their time on this earth was cut far too short. I firmly believe that all of their deaths could have been avoided had we (as a collective society) had a better understanding of what it is like to feel as if the world has turned against you — so much to the point — that you are literally living on the streets, self-medicating while losing hope in yourself and others.
The h3 Project’s hope is that “eliminating homelessness” will become a policy forefront for politicians. That affordable housing is not just a suggestion, but becomes a reality in the District.
The h3 Project’s intent as an organization for 2024 is to continue expanding operations while providing quality services to D.C.’s most vulnerable. We will never sacrifice quality over quantity when it comes to staffing and resources. We firmly believe that EVERY resident in D.C. deserves to feel safe and secure in a home, while in good health and filled with happiness. (The h3 Project stands for “home, health, happiness.”)