The Aya is an affordable short term family housing project commissioned by the District of Columbia Department of General Services as part of Mayor Bowser’s initiative to close aging, overcrowded facilities. Located in Ward 6, this neighborhood-based program provides a safe environment for women and children and provides access to service-enriched programming that assists them stabilize and exit homelessness. Housing 50 residential units, work stations and administration, this seven story building is an award-winning project is light years beyond the homeless shelter stereotype.