The Home Stretch: Washington, DC's Project H.O.M.E.

Greetings! This is Sherry Ways from Washington, DC's Project H.O.M.E. We are now in the final throws of the East of the River Key Corner Project. Since I last posted, The Washington Business Journal recognized our efforts in July under their Good Works Section which discussed Design Scheme Interiors, LLC providing complimentary design services to the Unity East of the River Project!

We gained another sponsor, City Interests, a for profit commercial real estate developer in the District of Columbia, who has invested heavily in the East Washington community. City Interests has made a $1,500 contribution towards furniture and maintenance for the Key Corner. Thank you Todd Lieberman of City Interests for making the contribution happen!

The photos above demonstrate time that Ward 7 Arts Collaborative member and artist, Bill Howard and Black Artists of DC member John Cooper spent painting the mural for the space in July. As you can see the mural took a lot of time and man power getting painted. However, both artists' were pleased with my contribution! Both John and Bill said that they would "hire me anytime" to help paint a mural. I guess they were impressed with my artistic ability (LOL!).

The mural is now complete, furniture is being ordered and we will be picking up the children's furniture from our sponsor IKEA shortly! I along with Ward 7 Arts Collaborative Executive Director, Wanda Aikens, Ward 7 Arts Collaborative Board Chair, Julia Jones and Naima Hashim and Audrey White of Unity Health Care met yesterday to discuss the final festivities and invitations to the grand opening/ribbon cutting event.

Now we are preparing for opening day! The ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, September 17th at 10:00 am at the East of the River Unity Health Center. The media is being invited along with City Council leaders, etc. I will be speaking on behalf of Design Scheme Interiors, LLC and the Decorators Alliance Project H.O.M.E. Stay tuned!

Respectfully Submitted,

Sherry B. Ways, Project H.O.M.E. Coordinator, Washington, DC