5 Reasons to Attend Living in the City 2026
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience an evening of connection and impact at Living in the City 2026 on 9/23! We’ll be gathering at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company to celebrate the Housing Up community and the families we serve. Here are the top 5 reasons why you should support our most important fundraiser of the year:
1. Get inspired by the journeys of Housing Up families
Hear directly from Housing Up families about how safe, stable housing and supportive services have helped them build brighter futures. Their stories show what’s possible when families have the stability and resources they need to pursue their goals.
2. Invest in DC’s children and youth
Across Housing Up’s programs, we serve nearly 800 children. From summer camp and academic enrichment to opportunities for leadership, connection, and personal growth, our youth programming helps children build confidence and imagine what’s possible for their futures. Your support helps ensure that children and young people have opportunities to thrive – not only a safe place to call home.
3. Learn from someone with lived experience
After our community has a chance to connect, we’ll move into our event program, which will feature remarks from our keynote speaker, Rashema Melson, CEO & Founder of Pain Into PURPOSE and Founder & President of the Melson Foundation. Rashema is a DC native with lived experience of homelessness and obtained her degree in Justice and Peace Studies from Georgetown University in 2019. Her organizations provide technical support to communities, agencies, and nonprofits nationwide, helping to dismantle oppressive and inequitable systems and lead individuals experiencing homelessness to self-sufficiency. She is preparing to publish her first memoir, “Thank You For The Trauma,” through Penguin Random House in 2027.
4. Hear directly from President & CEO, Mercedes Lemp
With Mercedes being in Housing Up’s President & CEO role for one year, join us at Living in the City on 9/23 to hear all that we’ve accomplished together since 2025 and what’s ahead for our organization and the families we serve.
5. Make your mark on our city
Your support directly strengthens Housing Up’s ability to provide housing and comprehensive services to families across DC. During Living in the City, you’ll have the opportunity to make a contribution through our auction and help provide tangible support for families – from move-in costs to the services that help kids learn and grow. Donate today at housingup.org/auction.
We look forward to hosting a powerful evening on Wednesday, September 23, from 6-8 PM!
Did You Know? Your employer may match charitable contributions, allowing your gift to Housing Up – including Living in the City sponsorships & ticket purchases – to go even further. Check with your employer’s HR or workplace giving program to see if your donation is eligible for a matching gift.