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Security staff at the 801 East Men’s Shelter in Washington, D.C., voted to unionize in a Sept. 9 election, citing low wages, minimal training, and lack of safety equipment as major concerns. The shelter, located on St. Elizabeth’s East Campus, is managed by D.C.’s Department of Human Services (DHS) through a subcontractor, USP Holdings, which employs the security officers. The shelter is one of the city’s largest, with 396 beds and a daytime service center.
According to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), 39 out of 60 employees voted in favor of unionizing. USP Holdings, however, filed an objection to the vote, although the specific grounds were not disclosed. Officers claim that USP discouraged unionizing, handing out anti-union flyers to employees, which workers saw as an attempt to stifle their organizing efforts.
Security Officers at Men’s Homeless Shelter Unionize Due to Safety Concerns and Lack of Training
Officers at 801 East have raised serious concerns about the lack of training and protective equipment provided by USP Holdings. Security officer Ikeuri Onunaku explained that the challenging nature of their work—often involving interactions with residents facing drug addiction or mental health issues—requires specific preparation and tools. However, officers are not provided with safety vests or pepper spray, which Onunaku sees as essential for protection.
Onunaku shared that officers often administer Narcan to reverse opioid overdoses among residents, a skill he learned informally from colleagues rather than through official training. A presentation at a recent Interagency Council on Homelessness meeting outlined required training topics, including hypothermia, Narcan administration, crisis intervention, and cultural competency. However, Onunaku stated that he and his colleagues have not received any of this training.
In response, a DHS spokesperson said that the Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness mandates training for all security staff, including Narcan administration, and that DHS is working with providers to ensure compliance across its shelter network.
Low Pay and a Commitment to the Community
Both Onunaku and fellow officer Danielle Campbell shared that inadequate compensation was a major factor in their decision as security officers at men’s homeless shelter to unionize. Campbell noted that her Special Police Officer license does not fully prepare officers for the challenging situations they encounter at 801 East. While they value the residents and the roles they serve, they believe that better wages, proper training, and essential equipment are needed to perform their duties effectively.
Despite challenges, Campbell expressed her commitment to the community, explaining that she joined 801 East to support those she knows. “Unionizing was a decision for the team,” she said, adding that union efforts are motivated by their dedication to both the residents and each other.
