The Franklin School property needs to be renovated to benefit its residents, not to subsidize a wealthy developer. Councilmember Jack Evans believes that the Franklin School property is too valuable to be used for an emergency shelter for the homeless. Indeed, the building is assessed at $10.3 million. Yet a 29-year lease has been signed with Western Development Corporation (WDC) to turn the shelter into a hotel at a rental rate of $9.76 per square foot: this is less than 25% of the average rate of $44.56 per square foot in this area of the city.

Why is Evans willing to subsidize a wealthy developer but unwilling to invest in District residents who work, pay taxes and vote? Herb Miller, the developer and managing member of WDC, used to be his neighbor. Since the councilmember doesn't know the shelter residents as well as he knows Miller, he may not know that about two-thirds of the 275 Franklin residents work. Many of them earn as little as $30 to $40 per day, and they spend their wages inside the District, benefiting local businesses and contributing to the city's tax base.

Efforts to revitalize the city have left behind many of the Franklin residents. If Evans met with them, he would find that they are the ones who are underutilized, not the rundown building that houses them. He would recognize the value of supporting investment in these people through redeveloping the property and providing services within the facility, including credit counseling and skills enhancement. The Franklin Shelter could provide a model for the entire country to follow, instead of becoming the third shelter in four years to be shut down, forcing more residents to sleep in downtown streets and doorways.

Call, email, fax or write Councilmember Jack Evans: Tell him to support investment in Franklin Shelter!

Jack Evans
1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Room 106
Washington, DC 20004
Phone: 202/724-8058
Fax: 202/724-8023
email: jackevans@dccouncil.us

Show your support at a rally and march with the residents of the Franklin Shelter!

When: Tuesday, July 11, at 8:30 a.m.
Where: Meet at 13th and K Streets NW; march to the John A. Wilson Building (1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW) for a 9 a.m. rally
More Info: savefranklinshelter@yahoo.com