We Are Committed to Doing the Work

In the wake of George Floyd’s murder and widespread protests, we are exploring how Housing Up can better advocate for racial justice in our community. As a first step, we’ve made donations to Black Lives Matter DMV and the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund. We’re glad to announce that our Board of Directors will match donations made to these organizations, up to $1,500. Please see sidebar for more details.

Knowing the fight for racial justice will take more than donations, we’ve initiated conversations with local and national racial justice-focused organizations to identify concrete ways we can support their work and be a better ally. We are also reevaluating our internal values and policies to make sure we are fully aligned with the mission of racial justice. As we learn more from other organizations experienced in this work, we’ve identified key pillars to focus our efforts: education, advocacy and partnership. We look forward to sharing our next steps with you.

Back to School Drive is Here!

We’re launching our annual Back to School Drive and this year, our focus is to bridge the digital divide for our families. To ensure none of the children we serve are unequipped to participate in virtual education this fall and beyond, the main item of this year’s Drive will be a high-quality, personal tablet.

Our Drive will primarily operate out of an Amazon registry and a Target registry. Please visit our website for more information, and contact Dillon Ficca at dficca@housingup.org with any questions.

Volunteer Spotlight

For June’s #VolunteerSpotlight, we’re highlighting volunteer & Associate Board member Jonathan Osei! When asked why he’s committed to Housing Up, this is what he had to say:

“I feel a responsibility to help the communities I live in (and actively benefit from) to improve living conditions and opportunity for all, primarily for those who are most marginalized. It’s important to understand the implications of living where I live in regards to folks who were/are being displaced, under-housed, and left homeless.”

Target Circle Giving Program

Housing Up has been chosen to participate in a special charitable giving campaign, sponsored and funded by Target. You can help direct a portion of Target’s donation to our families!

Now through ​June 30, vote for Housing Up through the Target Circle giving program to determine how much of Target’s pool of funds will be pledged to our organization. These funds will support our mission of building thriving communities in DC.

For full program details, visit www.target.com/circle.