FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 20, 2021
Media Inquiries: marketing@anacostiabid.org 

ANACOSTIA BID, WARD 7 BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP, DESTINATION CONGRESS HEIGHTS, , PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE EAST MAIN STREET AND MINNESOTA AVENUE MAIN STREET PARTNER TO DISTRIBUTE PPE TO BUSINESSES AMID ONGOING COVID-19 CRISIS

East of the River non-profits connect DC small businesses with critical PPE supplies

WASHINGTON, DC – The Anacostia Business Improvement District, in partnership with the Ward 7 Business Partnership and Destination Congress Heights, will serve as the PPE distribution center for Wards 7 and 8, per the Mayor's directive to distribute the life-saving equipment to businesses operating during the COVID-19 public health crisis.  

Mayor Muriel Bowser, through the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD), is providing a second round of personal protective equipment (PPE) care packages to District of Columbia businesses that are currently open. "The City asked us once again to be the distribution center for this life-saving PPE equipment, and we answered the call," said Kristina Noell, Executive Director of the Anacostia BID. "We continue to play a critical role and serve as a nexus of support in providing resources to businesses east of the Anacostia River during the ongoing public health emergency. This is another strategic strike at assisting businesses in remaining sustainable, and our partners Deborah Jones, the Executive Director of the Ward 7 Business Partnership; Wendall Quann, the Executive Director of Destination Congress Heights, Latisha Atkins, the Director of the Pennsylvania Ave East Main Street and the Minnesota Ave Main Street have all come together to create a positive impact to east of the river businesses. Wards 7 and 8 have come together to serve and connect our communities."

Said Deborah Jones, Executive Director of the Ward 7 Business Partnership, "Ward 7 Business Partnership is proud to partner with other Ward 7 business development organizations like the Pennsylvania Ave East Main Street and Minnesota Ave Main Street to help keep our small businesses safe as they continue to operate and serve our communities. We encourage all of our businesses to take advantage of this opportunity to receive PPE for your protection and ours."

The Anacostia Business Improvement District (BID) will facilitate the distribution of the PPE care packages in Wards 7 and 8, including disinfectant, hand sanitizer, masks, hand towels, and sanitizer wipes are. Businesses must pre-register online to receive the PPE; quantities are limited and available while supplies last. 

The distributions take place at Maple View Flats, 2228 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, during the following dates and times:

• Thursday, February 18th, from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM;

• Friday, February 19th, 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM; and,

• Saturday, February 20th, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM,

• Monday, February 22nd, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

• Tuesday, February 23rd, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

• Wednesday, February 24th, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

• Thursday, February 25th, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

• Friday, February 26th, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Ward 7 and 8 small businesses must pre-register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ward-7-8-business-ppe-distribution-event-registration-141396517791

This effort is another in a series of Anacostia BID initiatives to serve communities of Wards 7 & and 8. In March 2020, the Anacostia BID's Food Access Consortium and partners (Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White, Chapman LLC, Career Path DC, Starbucks, World Central Kitchen, Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative, and National Service Contractors) answered the call to improve food access east of the river at the onset of the public health emergency. Within a few days, the collective established a food distribution center in the heart of Historic Anacostia with meals provided by World Central Kitchen. The meals were loaded on trucks by volunteers for delivery to local seniors. 

Besides providing much-needed support for local seniors at that critical time, the Anacostia BID enhanced its services for the small businesses and non-profits located within the BID. The ABID Business Briefing came out of a need to support the business community during the economic crisis brought on by the Coronavirus pandemic. The virtual briefings are hosted weekly to connect with resources and share information as a resource for BID members. 

"At this critical time, it's more important than ever not to work in silos, but for all of us to lean in to help our businesses survive. We're providing comprehensive support by compiling, sharing, and disseminating information, resources, and legislation for our stakeholders," says Noell. "The Anacostia BID is here to serve and remains committed to navigating these uncertain times together."

To learn more, visit www.anacostiabid.org or contact the Anacostia Business Improvement District at info@anacostiabid.org. 

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About the Anacostia Business Improvement District (ABID)
The Anacostia BID is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2012 and governed by a board of directors. The Anacostia BID provides valuable services to support the commercial, creative, and non-profit community located within the Anacostia BID's boundaries. As a community-based organization, the BID is relied upon to be an integral part of the resurgence of the Historic Anacostia neighborhood's commercial corridors. The BID is committed to a thriving, safe, clean, and inviting community through placemaking, partnerships, and marketing. Our motto is, "Anacostia - the heART of the District.