Support Our Annual Back to School Drive!

As the summer begins, the 2024-2025 school year will be here before we know it! Housing Up is launching its annual Back to School Drive. Not only does this initiative provide each of our 1,170 children who needs a backpack with a backpack full of school supplies, but it is also a foundation for a successful school year.

Our Back to School Drive is funded by generous contributions from our community. The backpacks and school supplies that we provide alleviate financial burden and lessen parents’ stress about affording school supplies. Thanks to your support, Housing Up was able to assemble and distribute over 650 backpacks last year. This year, we hope to expand our goal and distribute over 750 backpacks for our 2024 Back to School Drive, meeting the needs of our families.

Can the families we serve count on your support? Please click the button below to use our secure giving portal. Contact Shahidah Abdul-Lateef, Community Engagement Manager, with any questions at sabdul-lateef@housingup.org.

Happy Pride from Housing Up!

This Pride Month, we wanted to celebrate LGBTQ+ folks in DC and beyond, and raise awareness of the prevalence of housing insecurity within the community.

On Instagram, we took a look at some stats on LGBTQ+ homelessness in the District and beyond. Read how homelessness uniquely impacts LGBTQ+ youth and what policies can be implemented that affirm their needs and ensure their safety.

We highlighted Black LGBTQ+ voices in Washington, DC as these activists have consistently been at the forefront of progress and change.

We also spoke about Frank Kameny, Barbara Gittings, and Bayard Rustin, all strong voices in DC’s LGBTQ+ history.

Check out our latest posts on Instagram to learn more and how you can get involved to help be an advocate for LGBTQ+ families in Washington, DC.

HAND’s Children’s Essay Contest Winner: Audriana!

We are thrilled to share that Audriana, a Housing Up resident, has been selected as the winner of HAND’s Children’s Essay Contest. Her compelling essay, “Community Hero: My Sister” celebrates the impacts individuals can have within their communities. In her essay, Audriana shares how her sister’s achievements, leadership, and decision to pursue Sociology at Spelman College have inspired Audriana to continue her academic studies and set big life goals. Congratulations, Audriana!