— Homeless outreach workers have started their annual census, counting the number of people living in shelters, transitional housing and on the streets.  In addition to the count, workers also offer access to assistance and medical care.  The results of the census will be reported in May.  Click here for more details.

— Arlington County is just one of the counties and cities in our area that offer free tax preparation services to low-income residents.  Click here to listen to a story that explains how to access this assistance.

— D.C. area residents would rather pay more to ride the Metro than see service cuts.  The majority of speakers at a public hearing last night said cutting service would have a negative impact on job-seekers and businesses, and cause safety issues due to overcrowding.  The Metro Board will meet today to decide what measures to take to overcome a $40 million budget shortfall.  Click here for more.

Would you like to weigh in about these topics or anything else?  Leave a comment below or join the conversation online: www.Facebook.com/TheWomensFoundation

— Fairfax County has come up with a new plan to maintain and expand affordable housing.  The “Housing Blueprint” includes an option to spend more than $10 million on affordable housing next year.  Click here for details.

— A D.C. police officer who noticed a surge of domestic violence cases in upper Northwest is taking action.  Officer Chante Brodie has helped organize a domestic violence informational workshop that will cover topics ranging from “recognizing emotional and physical abuse to understanding the legal rights of domestic violence victims.”  The workshop is on Saturday at the North Michigan Park Recreation Center.  Click here for more info.

— Later today, the public will have a chance to weigh in on proposals to make up for Metro’s $40 million budget shortfall.  Some of the options include a fare increase.  Click here for more details.

— Despite the economic downtown, more Americans helped one another out last year.  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 63 million people performed volunteer work at least once in 2009.  That’s a 1.6 million increase over the previous year.  Volunteers did everything from raising money to tutoring to collecting food.  Click here for more.

Have something to say?  Please comment below or join the conversation online: www.Facebook.com/TheWomensFoundation.