Legal Aid DC will honor Alexander Hoskins with this year’s Partnership Award, which recognizes a client who has gone above and beyond to pursue justice, not just for themselves, but for the entire community.  

Through his legal case and by speaking out publicly, Mr. Hoskins has helped bring attention to widespread water shut-offs threatening the health and safety of DC tenants. His perseverance advanced the conversation around protecting tenants from being penalized when landlords don’t pay their bills.  

Mr. Hoskins began working with Legal Aid in the summer of 2025 after water in his four-unit building was disconnected. Like many multi-family properties around DC, Mr. Hoskins’ building runs on a single water meter, and it’s his landlord’s responsibility to make sure the water bill is paid. Even though Mr. Hoskins pays his rent on time and has no control over the DC Water account, his water was turned off, and weeks passed without any action from his landlord.

He became the first of more than 20 tenants in a similar situation who found representation at Legal Aid, led by Megan Browder, Legal Director for Systemic Advocacy and Law Reform. After months of court hearings to try to hold Mr. Hoskins’ landlord accountable, his water was reconnected and the court granted six months of rent abatement.  

“If it wasn’t for Megan, my water may still be off. I'm just really thankful and grateful,” Mr. Hoskins said.  

During the ordeal, Mr. Hoskins also opened his home to the press, appearing in a story from The 51st, which drew attention to the problem. He candidly shared how for months he had to rely on friends and family to shower, cook meals, and do laundry.  

“Mr. Hoskins has been so generous with sharing his story. This was a difficult time for him and his young children, but he never wavered and was always thinking about how he might be able to help others,” Megan said. “It has been a pleasure to work with him.”  

Because of the work of tenants like Mr. Hoskins and their advocates, the DC Council is considering several bills that would prevent similar water shut-offs and create more transparency and accountability for landlords.  

Mr. Hoskins will share his experience and receive the Partnership Award at the Servant of Justice Awards Dinner on April 28.