As you have seen by now, on Monday, August 11 President Trump federalized the national guard and DC police and reiterated his plan to remove homeless people living in DC. This latest threat to unhoused communities comes after his July 24 Executive Order (EO) that called for institutionalizing people experiencing homelessness, removing important privacy protections and dismantling proven evidence-based policies that help eliminate homelessness, including Housing First. The language used in Monday’s action and the EO dehumanizes people experiencing homelessness, incorporates harmful and outdated myths about homelessness, and incorrectly makes homelessness a criminal issue versus the economic one we know it to be.

Collectively, Monday’s steps and the EO, along with the lack of federal investment in affordable housing, combine to equal one thing: homelessness will undoubtedly get worse, with the most vulnerable – those with disabilities, LGBTQ+ youth, older adults and communities of color – experiencing the most significant harm. 

So, what can we do?

First, we underscore our commitment to our core mission of housing families and transforming lives here in our vibrant city of Washington, DC. Everyone is entitled to a safe place to live and our staff and volunteers work hard to ensure that reality for more than 900 DC families. 

Secondly, we use our voice – and ask for yours – to continue advocating on behalf of the communities we serve. We know it’s been an exhausting year and we are all experiencing some advocacy fatigue. But, we have no choice but to continue forward to make our shared belief of a city where everyone has safe housing and equitable access to opportunity a reality. Stay engaged with organizations like Housing Up that are doing the work and follow advocacy organizations like the National Low-Income Housing Coalition, The National Alliance to End Homelessness and Housing Not Handcuffs. 

And finally, we ask for your help. With the shortage of affordable housing paired with cuts to key programs for low-income communities, we know more and more DC families will need us. We need your support to make sure we can continue providing housing, services and resources to communities struggling to afford life here in our city. Consider making a donation today and help us continue our critical work. 

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