We are writing to ask you to halt the exits of families in rapid re-housing until the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the D.C. Housing Authority (DCHA) can complete the housing voucher eligibility and lease-up process for the significant number of vouchers that are available now or by October 1.

We want to take a moment to update you on what has happened with rapid re-housing over the last few months and what the families being terminated for reaching a time limit are facing in the next few months

While there are a few noteworthy housing investments and D.C. Council made some progress in reducing the harm of the mayor’s original budget proposal, the final FY25 budget remains one of the most disappointing and regressive budgets for housing resources and housing justice in recent years.

The better—more humane and effective—way to respond to any concerns about encampments is to provide low barrier and accessible shelter and housing opportunities.
Author: Joshua M. Drumming, Law Graduate, Policy and Advocacy

Without significant investment in permanent housing resources and real reform to the broken rapid re-housing program, thousands of D.C. families will lose their housing support and likely face eviction or homelessness.

Providing housing instead of handcuffs is not only the moral, effective, and humane choice, but also the Constitutional one.