Yes, it is much better and reasonably safe, however walking with valuable stuff is not wise in any large American city. It is not just DC.
Well, can your husband be able to meet you? He could get the visitor pass you need for the shuttle.
Cool. BTW, Union Station and NY Ave are on same red line. The shuttle stops at both. It's easier to find at NY ave if you are not familiar with Union Station.
To correct someone else: it is 5 blocks to the New York ave-Gallaudet U. station, NOT Union Station. I know because I do it all of the time.
