D.C. Mayor to Announce New Program for Homeless Families

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is set to announce a new program that's meant to help homeless families find permanent housing.

Bowser, a Democrat, pledged a new approach to homelessness during last year's campaign and was critical of her predecessor's policies. She took office in January.

People in the District have the right to shelter when temperatures are below freezing. The city houses families on the campus of a former hospital or in hotel rooms. The number of homeless people has increased in recent years as affordable housing has dwindled.

The new program is intended to help families find affordable places to live by pairing them with liaisons who understand the rental market and can help with paperwork. Bowser will detail the program at a news conference on Thursday.