In collaboration with the District’s Street Sense newspaper and other local and national media, City Paper this week examines what is perhaps D.C.’s greatest failing, the scourge of chronic homelessness in a city increasingly defined by the widening gulf between rich and poor. We look at private-sector efforts to serve those in need and the city’s push to turn away families they say shouldn’t qualify for city shelter.

Toy Stories

Kids caper freely at a Northeast hotel with help from the Homeless Children’s Playtime Project.

Night on the Town

With memories of a childhood brush with homelessness, a woman spent her birthday handing out gifts to those sleeping in D.C. parks.

Kitchen Influential

DC Central Kitchen’s latest training tool for homeless and returning citizens is a fast-casual cafe.

Stymie Shelter

To the chagrin of advocates, the D.C. Council weighs stricter requirements for shelter access.

Pro Bono

A conversation with the longtime director of the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless about the challenges that lie ahead.