Washington, D.C. has just taken significant strides toward addressing homelessness with the opening of The Aston, a new shelter located in the Foggy Bottom area. This facility, launched with fanfare by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and community leaders, marks the city's first non-congregate homeless shelter, which allows families and couples to stay together, regardless of gender. It's seen as part of broader efforts to reform the District's approach to homelessness.
The transformation of this unique shelter from its former life as student housing—previously owned by George Washington University—has been no small feat. The facility was purchased for $27.5 million in August 2023 and underwent extensive renovations to prepare it for its new mission. Improvements included updates to plumbing, HVAC systems, and safety features. The shelter can currently accommodate up to 50 residents and is expected to expand its capacity to house 100 individuals over time.
Mayor Bowser highlighted the importance of this new approach to sheltering. “The transformation of our shelters is representative of a much bigger transformation of our entire homeless services system,” she noted. The Aston will provide semi-private rooms, allowing residents to maintain some degree of privacy—a factor often missing from traditional shelters.
This innovative model targets three primary populations: couples and families without minor children, individuals transitioning from low-barrier or unsheltered situations, and those matched to permanent housing resources. At The Aston, residents have access to individualized case management through Friendship Place, which assists them in developing housing plans and connecting them to community resources.
Jean-Michel Giraud, president and CEO of Friendship Place, expressed the organization’s commitment to the plight of those experiencing homelessness, stating, “The Aston is a reflection of our mission to deliver compassionate, comprehensive services to people experiencing homelessness.” Each case manager at the facility serves around 17 residents, enabling focused and personalized support.
Despite its promise, The Aston has faced criticism and legal challenges from some local residents. Concerns raised by the West End DC Community Association include zoning issues and the quality of life impacts of having a homeless shelter nearby. An attorney representing this group argues against the shelter, stating, “WEDCCA's appeal to the BZA challenges the unlawful attempt by the District to circumvent its zoning regulations... There are numerous alternative locations throughout the City.”
The legal pushback has not deterred city officials, who maintain the shelter is necessary to address the growing homelessness crisis. Some residents and community advocates argue the opposition has only strengthened the project's resolve, emphasizing the need for compassion and supportive services for one of D.C.'s most vulnerable populations.
Petro Bemah, one of the first residents of The Aston, shared his thoughts on the environment of the new shelter. “It’s like taking a first breath,” he reflected, feeling relieved to have moved from shared quarters to his private space following recovery from substance abuse. He noted the significance of this environment for people reintegrated after personal struggles, emphasizing, “This setting is very pleasant. I met some good people here, and it gives me encouragement and hope for new beginnings.”
The Aston not only signals a shift but also embodies D.C.'s resolve to create safe spaces where individuals can work on their personal challenges without the added stress of traditional shelter living.
Officials project residents will typically stay at The Aston for approximately 90 days before transitioning to permanent housing. This time frame aligns with the city’s overall strategy to rapidly rehouse individuals as part of its homelessness response.
Laura Green Zeilinger, director of D.C.'s Department of Human Services, remarked on the broader benefits of this new shelter model. Citing successful outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic, she highlighted improved health conditions and wellness among individuals who resided in non-congregate settings. "Not only did we see health protections, but we saw improvements in physical and behavior health..." she said, reinforcing the potential positive impact of these individualized settings.
Although The Aston has only been operational for about ten days, community members and officials hope it will set the standard for future homeless service initiatives across the city. This approach seeks to build compassionate, effective strategies for helping those affected by homelessness, allowing families to stay united and providing the support needed for stability and independence.
The efforts at The Aston reflect D.C.'s commitment to challenging the stigma associated with homelessness and fostering community-driven solutions. Mayor Bowser’s administration has encouraged local involvement throughout the process and has stated the importance of open discussions about new projects, emphasizing, “There's always a lively debate, and I can say almost every case, the projects get improved because of those debates.”
With institutional support bolstered by community advocacy, The Aston shelter stands poised to become more than just a temporary solution for its residents. It hopes to serve as both a refuge and a launching pad toward sustainable housing solutions. While the shelter's future remains subject to local sentiments and legal challenges, its commitment to unity, privacy, and supportive services marks a new chapter for D.C.’s approach to homelessness.
