Neighborhood projects & advocacy

HABA exists to strengthen our neighborhood through practical, resident-led action.

Our projects & advocacy work focuses on initiatives that improve daily life, like cleaner streets, shared stewardship, and stronger connections between neighbors.

These efforts are built in partnership with District Government and federal agencies, community organizations, business owners and residents who are committed to caring for Historic Anacostia block by block.

Current Projects

Pet Waste Bag Station Network

Pet Waste Bag Station Network
Adopt-a-Block

Adopt-a-Block

Advocacy Efforts

Our voice is one of the best tools we have to shape the future of Historic Anacostia. When residents speak up at D.C. Council oversight and budget hearings, we’re doing more than just sharing an opinion—we’re making sure our neighborhood’s needs are on the record.  DC Council hearing schedules, registration, and streaming access is available online.

  • Goal: We’re pushing for full funding of the Vacant to Vibrant Amendment Act of 2025 in the FY27 budget. This would give the DOB the capital it needs to turn empty buildings back into productive community spaces. We’re also advocating for a funded plan to transfer select vacant properties to The L’Enfant Trust for rehabilitation into workforce housing.

    Status: Finding full funding will be tough this year. Chairman Mendelson estimates the cost at $80 million, and with major budget shortfalls, it’s not likely.

    Next Steps: We’ve been advised to focus on getting other councilmembers to support funding for existing laws such as the Act before new legislation.

  • Goal: We are calling for DMPED to invest in planning for 1234 Marion Barry Avenue SE (short and long term), revive and prioritize the stalled Reunion Square project, and fund a long-term use plan for the Historic Anacostia corridor.

    Status: Finding full funding to subsidize the 1234 MBA lot may be difficult in the current budget environment but continuing to raise awareness of these development opportunities should remain a priority for the community. 

    Next Steps: HABA will continue to work with DMPED to raise awareness around the development opportunities listed above.

  • Goal: We’ve called on the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to better maintain two large, vacant lots in Historic Anacostia—at Chester/W St SE and High/Maple View St SE. Our priority is getting clear development plans on the table so these spaces can finally serve the neighborhood.

    Progress: We’ve already seen a small win at the Chester/W St SE lot, where construction debris and an old trailer have finally been cleared out.

    Status: In Progress. HABA is working collaboratively with DHCD to establish refined maintenance plans for both parcels and actively tracking the formal disposition plans to ensure stakeholder input throughout the process.