Around 10:00 AM, on Thursday, January 18, 2024, an Anacostia community member called 911 about a gas leak near the DanAkil Convenience Store on Marion Barry Avenue SE. Next door to the convenience store is the Baby Einstein Child Development Center. The staff at the childcare center quickly began packing up all of the children and rushed them to safety at a local business outside of the safety zone before the Fire/EMS arrived.
The Migrant Solidarity Network is a coalition of Harriet’s Wildest Dreams, Sanctuary DMV, Peace House DC*, and others. They want migrants to experience a humane transition to living in DC. Their focus is to provide immediate support regardless of government regulations. They provided tickets for migrants to further destinations, along with placement at volunteers' houses.
Because of a long history of racist policies and practices, DC’s Black and brown residents experience more job discrimination, inadequate access to health care, and a lack of affordable housing. Using the budget to prevent evictions, adequately fund all public schools, and get health care and cash to those who need it are just a few ways lawmakers can transform DC into a more equitable community where everyone can live well.
Baby Einstein Child Development Center has served children 6 weeks to 5 years old and their families in the Anacostia neighborhood for over 10 years. D.C. is the most difficult city in the country to find and afford childcare in D.C. The Center’s Director, Ms. Regina Snead is working very hard to support these children and families because she cares about them deeply, but also knows how crucial having childcare immediately is.
These families cannot afford to be without childcare. They have to go to work. Being able to take leave, or miss work and maintain employment, especially over an extended time period is not an option.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
CONTACT DC OFFICIALS - HELP THE CENTER FIND A SPACE
The center needs to secure a space to relocate IMMEDIATELY. The community can reach out to the following officials to strongly urge them to make sure space is made available immediately: