Personal experiences with homelessness are widespread across DC, according to our recent VoicesDMV Community Insights survey. Nearly 1 in 3 DC residents knows someone who has experienced or is at risk of becoming homeless. With the rate of homelessness expected to increase by up to 45% in the U.S. due to the impact of COVID-19 and the economic crisis, the need for more stable and affordable housing is now more important than ever for the health and well-being of our entire community. 

Last year, we joined forces with the DC Interagency Council on Homelessness to launch The Partnership to End Homelessness, the first-of-its-kind initiative in DC to bring together the public and private sectors to ensure homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring. This month, we are reflecting on our work and impact during the first year of the Partnership, and how COVID-19 has changed the way we provide services and support to our neighbors without a stable place to call home. 

On July 30, we hosted a webinar for Community Foundation donors and partners to learn about what we’ve accomplished in the fight to end homelessness, what’s next as we continue this work, and how to get involved.

Speakers included:

• Jennifer Olney and Silvana Straw, Partnership to End Homelessness staff

• Kristy Greenwalt, Director of the DC Interagency Council on Homelessness

• Waldon Adams, a Leadership Council member who is an advocate with lived experience