WHY I GIVE: JONATHAN

Housing Up is excited to introduce “Why I Give”, a spotlight series on our monthly donors. Learn who they are and about their motivations to give. Recurring donations offer support to the families we serve and gives Housing Up the gift of long-term planning. With monthly funds from generous supporters like you, we can commit to new and exciting projects that benefit our clients, knowing we have recurring revenue to support them.

Tell me a bit about your journey with us at Housing Up and why you got involved.

I moved to DC from Durham, NC in 2019 after working at StepUp Durham, a local nonprofit where I job coached and coordinated comprehensive support to community members. In DC, I began working at the National Fund for Workforce Solutions, a national nonprofit focused on creating an equitable future for workers, employers, and communities. Passionate about economic mobility and equity, I started volunteering with Housing Up shortly after moving, inspired by a college friend on the associate board who shared the organization’s impactful mission. After months participating in events supporting residents, I joined the associate board, a volunteer group of young professionals contributing their talents and resources to cultivate a network of Housing Up supporters, volunteers, and ambassadors. During the pandemic, we adapted by enhancing our virtual outreach while maintaining our commitment to residents. Our board set ambitious personal donor goals, shifting focus towards resource sharing due to pandemic restrictions. As co-chair, I organized resident engagements and board giving opportunities.

What made you want to become a recurring, monthly donor to Housing Up?

As my involvement with Housing Up deepened, I recognized that a financial commitment was another form of service to both the community and the organization. When transitioning off the associate board in 2023, I wanted to ensure continued investment in an organization aligned with my values, particularly the importance of housing as a baseline need and stepping stone to economic thriving. Understanding DC’s rapid development and grateful for the leadership development I experienced as a volunteer, I felt compelled to support an organization working to create permanent supportive and affordable housing for Black and Brown residents.

What has been your favorite memory at Housing Up?

I have three favorite memories representing my experiences as a volunteer, board member, and donor:

1. Hosting fun game nights, trivia, and karaoke for the amazing moms at Partner Arms II (PA2) on Fridays. These joy-filled evenings allowed residents to relax while their children enjoyed crafts.
2. Organizing a book drive and book sorting day with the associate board after a year of virtual interactions. We ensured culturally relevant books were available for the children in Housing Up’s programs.
3. Attending the Living in the City 2023, Housing Up’s annual benefit, which was the organization’s first in-person gathering since 2019. It showcased the enthusiasm for Housing Up’s work, highlighted the dedicated staff and leaders, and demonstrated the organization’s impact on residents’ lives.

These experiences constantly remind me of the value of investing my time and dollars into the Housing Up community. They also reinforced the values of service, connection, joy, and the ability to adapt as a volunteer and board leader to the constantly changing circumstances brought on by the pandemic.

What would you say to someone, maybe a fellow young person, who is considering becoming a recurring donor to Housing Up?

When you find an organization aligned with your values that provides resident-centric services while addressing systemic issues like DC’s affordable housing shortage, get connected and provide whatever resources and capabilities you have to offer. Service is a foundational leadership value that will sustain you as a professional and build your community! If you are short on time in this fast-paced city, provide financial resources. I’ve learned something working and volunteering in the nonprofit sector: “Your budget is a moral document.” Or to put it plainly, how you spend your time and money shows what you really care about.

Are you interested in becoming a monthly donor to Housing Up? No contribution is too small. Click the button below to set up your recurring giving, or reach out to Sarah at sjaleel@housingup.org with any questions.

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