On February 1st, THC families and staff gathered for the Housing For All NOW Rally put on by the Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development as part of our advocacy efforts to shape the systemic challenges that DC faces.

The room was abuzz as DC residents, advocates, politicians and nonprofit workers came together in the common belief that “All District residents deserve decent, quality housing at a price they can afford. We call on District officials to invest in the housing programs that meet that need.“

Anthony Davis, a parent in THC’s Permanent Supportive Housing program was the first client to speak. The crowd thoughtfully absorbed his words as he spoke of his family’s experience of losing their home after his mother passed away, and of being forced out of an apartment they were renting (illegally) at gun point. He recalled how terrifying it was to be homeless, and how lonely it felt; echoing the words, “Families that
are homeless today should not have to feel alone and no one should have to experience homelessness.” Anthony continued by explaining his experience with THC, and of the transformational changes he has been able to make in his life with the support of his Case Manager, Ajeena Abdul-Haqq since they joined they moved in nearly three years ago. While Anthony and his wife, Christina, have had stable employment, their low salaries prevent them from living independently. While at THC, Anthony has taken this opportunity to move even further forward by setting an employment goal to become a home health aide. The crowd was moved by his openness and call to action. Overall the day was an exciting one, full of opportunities to break down the walls between voters and policy makers.

For a full recap, make sure to check out the CNHED’s Housing For All Blog and to learn more about THC’s advocacy efforts see our Taking Action page.

Photo credit: Andrew Adams and Justin Gellerson