ULS May Newsletter

University Legal Services will be closed on Monday, June 19th, in celebration of Juneteenth. We encourage our community to take this time to reflect on the history and legacy of Black freedom and resistance.

ULS Statement on House Passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

On Thursday, May 22, the House of Representatives passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which plans to cut Medicaid and SNAP- programs that millions of people with disabilities rely on to survive. This legislation would strip critical, lifesaving services from people all around the nation.

University Legal Services urges the Senate to reject the Medicaid and SNAP cuts in the house bill that includes the following policies:

• $715 billion in cuts to Medicaid that would strip coverage from at least 8.6 million people people, in part by imposing new requirements that would take away Medicaid from anyone not working or doing “community engagement” activities at least 80 hours per month.
•  $267 billion in cuts to SNAP, the largest cut in the program's history to critical food assistance.
• Cuts to the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Between Medicaid and CHIP, about 10 million people would lose coverage.
• New strict work requirements designed to reduce enrollment. More than 90% of Medicaid recipients already work or qualify for an exemption. A last-minute change to the bill would speed up the implementation of work requirements. Other provisions would impose a waiting period for Medicaid-eligible people and bar them from purchasing subsidized insurance created under the ACA or “Obamacare,” leaving them without health insurance

Many people with disabilities are exempt from Medicaid's work requirements. However, when this approach has been implemented in the past, disability exemptions did not protect people from losing Medicaid. Instead of increasing employment, these requirements caused large numbers of Medicaid beneficiaries to lose their health coverage by trapping them in a complicated verification process.

The work requirements also hurt caregivers who perform critical jobs at home, often without pay. Combined with massive cuts to Medicaid that threaten access to services, life will be much harder for many families.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is an attack on people with disabilities and all who rely on Medicaid, SNAP, and CHIP.  Next, the bill passes to the Senate. ULS urges Congress to reject this proposal and protect Medicaid and SNAP. These programs are not optional, they save lives. They are how people with disabilities live in their homes and communities, care for their families, and survive.

Congress must reject efforts to strip essential services from millions of people in order to finance tax breaks for the wealthy. Americans deserve better. 

Send a message to Congress today and tell your Rep NOT to cut Medicaid!

Tenant Purchase Assistance Program

1820 California St Celebrates Major Energy Efficiency Milestone

After four years of persistent application and advocacy, the 1820 California St Co-op has been awarded a rebate of over $100,000 from the DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) for completing major energy efficiency upgrades. This funding is a powerful example of what tenant-led housing cooperatives can achieve—and a significant milestone for multi-family buildings in the District.

The rebate comes after the co-op successfully installed high-efficiency HVAC units in every apartment and overhauled the building’s electrical system this winter. Read our previous article about their upgrades HERE!

Since DCSEU rebates for multi-family buildings are still relatively new, the path to approval wasn’t easy. The co-op had to front the full cost of the project without grant assistance from city agencies, relying on loans and their savings to make the work possible. The rebate is such a mark of success for this project- as it was a high-stakes, high-reward effort for the co-op board and the residents.

Now, the co-op board faces a new decision: how to allocate the rebate funds. With reserves depleted after the renovation, the board is weighing how much to keep in their savings for emergency repairs -such as broken water heaters or plumbing leaks- and how much to reinvest in other building needs. Some members are also considering using a portion of the funds as a down payment for future window replacements, an update that the building is eagerly anticipating.

The hope is that this rebate can serve as a stepping stone for the co-op. By showing owner investment and project completion, the co-op may now be eligible for additional grants or be able to source matching funds from other grant distributors to continue building upgrades.

This achievement is a testament to the board’s long-term vision and the power of tenant-controlled housing to secure sustainable, healthy living conditions for their communities. We’re proud to support them every step of the way.

DC Assistive Technology Program

Donate Your New or Lightly Used Medical Equiptment Now!

Since 2007, DC Shares, a branch of the DC Assistive Technology Program. has been providing free medical equipment to DC residents with limited incomes, helping people live with greater independence and dignity. The annual income limit for eligibility has increased this year to $30,000 or less.

From walkers to transfer benches, our inventory depends on donations from generous community members like you. Do you have lightly used medical equipment?  Consider donating and giving someone the support they need to move freely and live comfortably. Check out our acceptable donation list here!

Want to learn more, request equipment, or donate? Visit our website or contact Reginald Taylor at (202) 332-2595 or rtaylor@uls-dc.org today!

Housing Counseling Program

June Events

The Housing Counseling Program (HCP) will be tabling on Monday, June 2, for Community Day at  St. Francis Xavier Catholic Academy!

On Sunday, June 8, HCP will be at the Southern Baptist Church Praise and Worship Center's Community Outreach After Party. Stop by the event at 134 L St NW, 20001. There will be food, games, live entertainment, and many more activities for the whole community to enjoy!

Check Out Our Housing Webinars!

Every month, the Housing Counseling Program holds webinars to help residents navigate DC’s housing programs. Our webinars cover the Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP), the Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) Program, and the Single Family Residential Rehabilitation Program (SFRRP). We also offer select webinars in Spanish. Learn more and register HERE!

Jail and Prison Advocacy Program

What Medicaid Cuts Could Mean for JPAP

Medicaid is a lifeline for JPAP’s clients—returning citizens with psychiatric disabilities, brain injuries, and substance use disorders. Over 90% are chronically unhoused and people of color, relying on Medicaid for mental health care, housing support, and community-based services.

Proposed cuts would make it harder to access therapy, medication, and stable housing, increasing the risk of homelessness, incarceration, and worsening health. JPAP would face even more barriers in securing essential services, deepening cycles of poverty and recidivism.

Medicaid must be fully funded to protect disability rights and public safety. Stay informed, speak out, and support our work.

Disability Rights DC

An Update on Our YSC Investigation

Earlier this year, Disability Rights DC released a report uncovering abuse and unsafe conditions at the Youth Services Center (YSC), a juvenile detention facility run by DC’s Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS).

We found evidence of physical and emotional abuse, improper use of restraints and seclusion, and serious risks to youth with disabilities. As DC’s Protection and Advocacy agency, we have the authority to monitor institutions like YSC and expose rights violations that often go unseen. As the District’s Protection and Advocacy (P&A) agency, DRDC holds unique authority to monitor and investigate institutions like YSC—power that is essential in exposing abuse and neglect that might otherwise remain hidden.

In a significant step forward, the DYRS has agreed to follow up with several actions in response to Disability Rights DC’s recent report on the Youth Services Center (YSC). DYRS published a policy directive that all prone restraints are categorically prohibited and updated its incident response protocols to avoid unnecessary staff intervention. Additionally, DYRS began work with a trauma-informed care expert to consult on staff training.

Our independent access to YSC was key to revealing these issues and pushing for change. We’re encouraged by DYRS’s response and remain committed to ensuring oversight, accountability, and safer conditions for youth in custody.

Read the full report HERE.