As reported by the Washington Post yesterday, the June revenue forecast is out and there is an additional $92.3 million estimated for fiscal year 2014! This is wonderful news for DC which, as the Post reports, is expected to take in about $600 million more in the next five years. With this kind of surplus, it is unconscionable that so many DC residents are living without the supports they need to overcome poverty. Many programs that provide...
DC Residents Fill City Hall Outside of Closed-Door Budget Negotiations
Yesterday, over 100 DC residents gathered at the Wilson Building for the Fair Budget Coalition’s “One City Needs” Action. Dozens of residents living in poverty, service providers, and advocates stood together outside the closed-door budget negotiations being held by the DC Council to deliver one clear message to city leaders: “Prioritize funding for programs that address human needs!” Chairman Phil Mendelson, Councilmember Jim Graham (who also...
Is Mayor Gray Banking on Kids Living on the Street?
The following testimony was delivered by Amber W. Harding before the DC Council’s Committee on Human Services at its Budget Hearing on the Department of Human Services earlier today. Last September, I sent an email to Mayor Gray pleading for his help for a family. Here is an excerpt, with names changed: John is 14 years old and has cerebral palsy and significant other disabilities, including a developmental delay. John is paralyzed on his...
End Homelessness for Every DC Resident with HIV/AIDS: a Sound Investment and the Right thing to Do
The following is cross-posted from The Fair Budget Coalition’s blog, and is written by Christine Campbell of Housing Works and the DC Community Coalition and Jen Caballero of the Women’s Collective. When people living with HIV/AIDS are compelled to wait for stable, affordable housing, the impact on their health can be severe, and even fatal. At The Women’s Collective (TWC), a former client JB, a 57-year old woman living with HIV,...
Take Action! Tell DC Leaders to Use the Budget to Meet Basic Human Needs
Yesterday, we shared The Fair Budget Coalition’s (FBC) recommendations for $100 million investment in affordable housing. Today, we invite you to join us and FBC in taking action to ensure that the city’s budget puts DC residents first. Here’s why: The Mayor is right now finalizing his budget, and he’s said that his ears are open to suggestions for how to spend the city’s money. With just one click, you can let the...
Ask The Mayor To Ignite His Natitude For Homeless Families!
Guest blog contributed by Ruth White, founder and Executive Director of The National Center for Housing and Child Welfare What Mayor Gray can learn from Mike Rizzo about housing DC’s homeless families Tonight, in nothing short of a miracle, the Washington Nationals will play game five of the National League Division Series. Last year, the Nats lost over half of their games and ended the season third in their division. The year before that –...
