New shelter ‘The Aston’ opens in DC to fight adult homelessness
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, leaders and community members gathered Monday to celebrate the opening of a first-of-its-kind homeless shelter.
The Aston is the first non-congregate addition to the District’s adult homeless service system, meaning those who stay will be provided with semi-private rooms. Officials said the shelter will provide temporary accommodation and case management to individuals, couples, and adult families working toward finding permanent housing.
“The transformation of our shelters is representative of a much bigger transformation of our entire homeless services system,” said Mayor Bowser. “We have reformed our systems so that we can meet people where they are and more effectively get people into permanent housing. And that is what we are doing again here at The Aston.”
The shelter was brought to life after the District purchased The Aston, which is a former college dorm, from George Washington University in August 2023 for $27.5 million. After, the Department of General Services completed significant renovations and upgrades to the building, including plumbing, mechanical, elevator and HVAC systems.
The department also enhanced the building’s life and safety system.
Officials said The Aston’s non-congregate housing model will serve these three main populations across D.C.:
- Families without minor children, couples and other household configurations – including those of different genders – who need stable short-term arrangements.
- Individuals matched to a permanent housing resource through the District’s Continuum of Care who are working through their housing lease-up process.
- Residents such as those experiencing chronic homelessness who are transitioning from unsheltered settings or low-barrier shelters, whose service needs are best met in this type of setting.
Services for residents include individualized case management, by Friendship Place. The organization will work with clients to develop their housing plans and provide navigation services that will support them in reaching their housing goals.
“The Aston is a reflection of our mission to deliver compassionate, comprehensive services to people experiencing homelessness,” said Jean-Michel Giraud, president and CEO of Friendship Place. “Here, our participants will find both support and respect as they transition to a place they can truly call ‘home.’”
Eligibility to reside at The Aston is determined through a Coordinated Assessment and Housing Placement system. The shelter will accommodate up to 50 people. Clients began moving in on Nov. 15.
Officials said the shelter is expected to scale to about 100 people over time.
