Community Meeting Connects Residents with Services

The opening of a new credit union and techniques for resolving disputes with utility companies, were among the topics on the agenda at a Ward 7 community organization meeting Thursday night in Southeast D.C.

About two-dozen residents and community activists came out to the East River Family Strengthening Collaborative on Minnesota Avenue for the nearly two hour-long information session. Speakers from the U.S. Attorney General Office, HEW Federal Credit Union and the D.C. office of Corporation counsel spoke about the services they offer to residents of Ward 7 and throughout the city.

Donnie James, vice-president of HEW, which will open a new branch in the neighborhood this spring, says expanding to Ward 7 was a natural fit. “Most of the members live east of the Anacostia. When we looked into where we wanted to go we knew Ward 7,” James said.

James says he hopes his credit union will steer residents away from places that charge absorbent fees for basic services like cashing checks. He says the only requirement to join is to be a D.C. resident and make a deposit of five dollars to get started. “We are different from commercial banks and way different from checking cashing places,” he said.

A person facing disconnection or in a billing dispute with a utility company learned about a D.C. government agency that could mediate on their behalf. Phillip Harmon of the D.C. office of the Corporation Counsel talked at length about the rights of customers in the District.















“If you are a utility consumer of PEPCO, Washington Gas or Verizon, and can’t work out bill disagreements, we can work it out on your behalf,” Harmon said, adding that he has helped several customers receive thousands of dollars in refunds due to billing errors along with customers who were days away from their service being disconnected. “Years ago you could flip the switch and you didn’t have to worry. Now the companies look at you as a cash cow.” Harmon said.

One of the poorest Wards in the city, the East River Family Strengthening Collaborative mission is to prevent neglect and maltreatment of children in Ward 7. It provides hands-on programs like fatherhood classes, youth intervention services, financial literacy and housing assistance. Liz Whitlow, community engagement coordinator for the family organization says it’s main goal is to “help strengthen families and communities here where we live,” she said.

All Photos by: Troy Donte' Prestwood

Links:

East River Family Strengthening Collaborative
HEW Federal Credit Union
D.C. Corporation Counsel
U.S. Attorney General's Office