Why Donate

Picture yourself on a winter night: it’s 26 degrees outside, and you and your family have no place to call home. You lost your spouse a few months ago, destroying your family finances, and you and your children were just evicted from your apartment.

While this scenario may be theoretical for you, it is a reality that many families experience in Washington, DC. Thanks to DC’s high cost of living, even families not experiencing homelessness are often one paycheck away from disaster. The sudden loss of support or an unexpected financial hurdle can upend a family’s livelihood.

Housing Up’s mission is to provide these families with opportunities to transform their lives, and we cannot do it without your help. Together, with the support from our government and community partners and you, we can make sure that every family has a chance to thrive. Can we count on you?

Make Your Donation

 

The Destination of Your Dollars

From our start over 35 years ago as a small transitional housing provider serving 14 families, Housing Up has relied on the generous support of the community.

In 2023:

  • Thank you for helping us raise $735,000* and for donating more than 2,364 warm meals to families * total raised represents funds raised from individual, church and corporate donors, and restricted and unrestricted grants from private foundations
  • Donors raised nearly $110,000 at our annual benefit, Living in the City. 100% of the proceeds support services and programs like family therapy and youth tutoring. Proceeds also provide important items for families coming directly from shelter such as apartment application fees and basic household items.

 

Our New Donor Recognition Program

We’re excited to announce a new donor recognition program to properly highlight our appreciation for your generous giving. Our program allows you to choose the giving & engagement level that best aligns with your passion and capacity to give and each has its own unique benefits and ways to become more involved with our mission.

  • Front Porch Crew: Housing Up’s team of dedicated volunteers that fosters warmth, inclusivity and community.
  • Foundation Friends (up to $499 in annual donations): Compassionate donors who provide the building blocks for transformation.
  • Opportunity Builders (annual donations of $500-$2,499): Essential contributors who help create pathways for families to thrive.
  • Housing Champions (annual donations of $2,499-$9,999): Dedicated supporters who advance affordable housing solutions.
  • Community Architects (annual donations of $10,000+): Visionary donors who design the future of strong, connected communities.

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us continue our vital work of building communities full of opportunity. Your generosity sustains our programs, expands our reach and brings us closer to our goal of ending family homelessness. 

 

Make a Donation

With your financial support of our mission, you will help generations of low-income families lead safer, more successful lives. You will help young children succeed in school, you will encourage families’ independence, and you will break the cycle of poverty for families in the District. Your generosity will help reverse the fortunes of these families, and develop independent parents, hopeful children, and a more just and vibrant Washington, DC. Please make your gift today and help families transform their lives.

Online: To make a secure donation online, please click the donate button below and complete your donation.

Donate

 

Mail: To make a donation by mail, please download and print out the donation form and mail it to:

Housing Up
Attn: Christina Peay
1322 Main Drive, NW
Abrams Hall
Washington, DC 20012

Workplace Giving: Housing Up is a proud member of the United Way of the National Capital Area and the Combined Federal Campaign. Donate to Housing Up in your United Way Campaign (#8441) or Combined Federal Campaign (#62065) giving, or include Housing Up in your corporate match giving program. Housing Up’s Federal Tax ID Number is 52-1675958.

Corporate Gifts and Sponsorships: We welcome corporate gifts and sponsorships. For more information, please contact Christina Peay at cpeay@housingup.org or 202.291.5535 ext. 414.

Planned Giving: Please consult with your financial advisor and then contact Christina Peay at cpeay@housingup.org or 202.291.5535 ext. 414.

Stock or Wire Transfer: Donating stock is a great way to support Housing Up and our families. For more information, please contact Christina Peay at cpeay@housingup.org or 202.291.5535 ext. 414.

 

Real Stories

Ending family homelessness is not easy. The families we serve face obstacles in their journeys. But they persist, and each day they are closer to realizing their goals. Their hard work and resilience inspire us, and we hope you are inspired by their stories. 

Carlita & The Diattas’ Story

Camp Housing Up

Mr. Diggs & Our Housing Services Team

Ms. Holmes

 

Volunteer

Housing Up believes that service has the power to transform the lives of our staff members, families and volunteers. We offer a variety of opportunities ranging from one-time activities and in-kind donation drives to weekly opportunities.

To volunteer with us, you must first complete a volunteer training and background check. Trainings take place virtually and cover the larger issues of homelessness and housing in Washington, DC, as well as the work that Housing Up does and best practices for volunteering.

Contact Shahidah Abdul-Lateef, Community Engagement Manager, at sabdul-lateef@housingup.org with any questions or to sign up for a volunteer training.


Get Help

Are you in search of housing and wondering if Housing Up will fit your needs? Learn about resources and what to expect.

Learn more

Support Our Mission

Help support our mission by making a donation.

Learn more