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In Memoriam: Steve Powell

Friday January 6, 2023

It is with very heavy hearts that we share news of the death of long-time Clean Team Member Steve Powell, who passed away last month after a brief and unexpected hospitalization. Funeral services will be held tomorrow, January 6. MVT CID will operate at limited capacity in the morning so that staff and team members can say final goodbyes during a celebration of Steve’s life.

A Marine Corps Veteran you could always count on a for a good early-morning “oorah,” Steve was dedicated to his work and often came in early to get a jump on his responsibilities. He received multiple awards for outstanding performance including Clean Team Ambassador of the Year in 2021, and was a “go-to” team member for graffiti removal, often ensuring this blight was mitigated moments after being noticed. Steve also helped others by assisting at nearby Central Union Mission on weekends.

In 2017, we profiled Steve’s transition from homelessness to homeownership through the combination of his own hard work, help from Central Union Mission and Habitat for Humanity, a grant from DC’s Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD), and his employment at MVT CID. In 2018, Steve articulated in a local news interview the housing affordability challenges faced by many in DC, which could lead to homelessness. The story was part of a broader discussion about DC homelessness, and Mayor Bowser’s now-successful effort to close DC General Hospital (the city’s former family emergency shelter) via equitable distribution of those 400 units across all eight wards.

Steve was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.

Central Union Mission was MVT CID’s contract street cleaning services provider at the time the above-referenced videos were taped. Services are currently being provided by the Capitol Hill BID along with its “Ready, Willing & Working” initiative that supports the reduction of economic disparities in DC by serving individuals with multiple barriers to full employment. MVT CID’s Clean Team program is supported by public-private funding from property owners and the District Department of Small and Local Business Development.

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