Support Ms. Michael

For the full story, refer to the following column
written by Courtland Milloy with the Washington Post: 
 https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/this-dc-woman-has-shown-compassion-to-many-including-her-sons-killer-now-she-could-use-a-little-compassion-herself/2018/05/22/804667ca-5dce-11e8-a4a4-c070ef53f315_story.html?utm_term=.4691c74c0c15

"I feel like I’m losing everything. But I believe there will always be a new beginning if you want it. I just have to start over.” - Marita Michael

Ms. Michael was recently evicted from her rental home while recovering from an illness at a nursing home. Her belongings were piled up outside the house in Southwest Washington, DC, in a neighborhood known as Buzzard Point. She has lived here for the past 12 years. Court papers show that Michael was not behind in rent or had committed any violation that would warrant an eviction.

This past month, Ms. Michael has been hospitalized from an infection causing fainting spells and memory loss. Ms. Michael is a stage four-cancer survivor fighting throat cancer. When released from the nursing home she will need a new residency with new belongings. 

Her former residency, located on Q Street SW, was infested with rats. Near Buzzard Point neighborhoods are experiencing an epidemic rat problem as a result of the ongoing construction coming from multiple sources including: DC United's new soccer stadium, the construction of the new Pepco Substation, and activity from Superior Concrete and Vulcan Materials. These rats are bringing fugitive dust into resident homes. 



Despite numerous complaints filed to her landlord, and DC Housing Authority, the rat infestation continued to spiral. Ms. Michael invested in numerous rattraps, strategically placed throughout her unit.  Her food was sealed behind closed cabinets and inside the refrigerator. And still they found their way through the walls, and on occasion, into her bed while she was sleeping.  
 



Marita Michael is a strong, compassionate woman who continues to love and help her neighbors and family. She has fought to keep her community healthy and safe. Even now while on bedrest, homeless, and ill, Ms. Michael continues to act as a voice for her community to raise awareness of the dust exposure from construction and ongoing displacement in her neighborhood: 

"I want to help everybody. The seniors. The youth. I have a grandchild, and I don't want her to get sick from breathing in all this dust. It's not fair. I have got to speak up today and try to help. Help those that can't help themselves."




Ms. Michael may be homeless, but never hopeless. It is her turn to receive some kindness.

WILL YOU HELP MS. MICHAEL?


NEXT STEPS:

Near Buzzard Point Resilient Action Committee (NeRAC) is a think tank of residents, community partners, and experts working together to address pressing issues near Buzzard Point, Washington DC. We tackle problems around air pollution, public health, and housing. 

NeRAC members have been actively working with Ms. Michael to help her find a new, stable, and clean 3-bedroom unit for her and her family to rest and recuperate in. As of now, it is unclear when Ms. Michael will be released from the nursing home. We are doing everything we can to help her secure housing. In the meantime, we need to raise funds to help her cover her downpayment. We will also be purchasing new furniture and clothing. 


WHO GETS THE MONEY? 

All of the funds coming through GoFundMe will be directly deposited into Ms. Michael's account.

If you would prefer to make a charitable contribution, you may mail a check to Westminister Presbyterian Church located at: 400 I St. NW Washington DC 20024. On the subject line, please write "NeRAC, Ms. Michael." 


WHERE CAN YOU LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR WORK & THE ISSUES FACING OLD SOUTHWEST?

You can follow Near Buzzard Point Resilient Action Committee on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube). Please also refer to the following articles:

• This D.C. woman has shown compassion to many, including her son's killer. Now she could use a little compassion herself. 

• https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/southwest-dc-is-getting-a-new-stadium-new-restaurants-and-more-dust-and-pollution-for-its-poorest-residents/2018/05/05/19f4a0a4-4fb4-11e8-84a0-458a1aa9ac0a_story.html?utm_term=.65fd05aff8f8

• https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/dc-development-is-leaving-historic-black-communities-in-the-dust/2018/03/09/e2b0fbb2-2211-11e8-94da-ebf9d112159c_story.html?utm_term=.2de23d872684

• http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/40644-clean-this-place-don-t-displace-activists-battle-for-environmental-justice-in-washington-dc

• https://wamu.org/story/17/05/03/debate-development-affordable-housing-moves-buzzard-point/

• https://www.streetsensemedia.org/article/buzzard-point-fears-environment-dc-united-stadium-displacement/#.WqfqgJPwbBI

• http://thesouthwester.com/2016/09/02/requesting-more-local-outreach-to-sw-residents-on-environmental-impact-of-buzzard-point-redevelopment/

• https://www.washingtonian.com/2016/04/25/dc-united-stadium-groundbreaking-brings-protesters-worried-pollution/

• http://georgetownvoice.com/2016/04/22/a-shared-environment-d-c-and-environmental-justice/