D.C.’s most vulnerable are facing budget cuts. Here’s what you can do.
By: Jennifer Mleczko
Tags: Local Government, Nonprofit, Poverty, Homeless, Washington DC

Reporting by DCist finds that D.C. is cutting funding for homeless services as COVID continues to rage, disproportionately affecting those most vulnerable.

While D.C works to support small businesses, the city seems to be forgetting about its most vulnerable populations. D.C. government recently pledged 35 million in restaurant aid in the new COVID-19 relief bill, as it continues talk of cutting funds for several nonprofits that serve residents experiencing homelessness.

Money is tough, allocating it is even tougher. As D.C. funds dwindle and go into deficit, prioritizing aid becomes even more challenging. And while the local and small business economy is important, it’s hard to justify medium-term goals over immediate need. Not to say these business don’t need the help, they need to stay afloat for their staff and employees, often another vulnerable population. However, the competing headlines of millions for restaurants and businesses alongside budget cuts for our most at-risk residents should be a hard pill to swallow for anyone. Our city is innovative, there has to be a way to do both.

Nonprofits, especially those providing essential and emergency services such as food, lodging, and medical assistance, are already struggling to fundraise among grant and budget cuts. These services are often the only thing keeping people alive. And while purse strings tighten, demand and needs are increasing. Remember the long lines experienced by millions of Americans who — having never known poverty — had to suddenly rely on food aid to get by? This is still happening.

So, what can you do about it? Two simple things.

Write a message to your D.C. ward representative. Here’s a draft, feel free to make your own. The emails to the individuals are below.

“Dear Councilmember ____. Times are tough. However, the reporting by DCist on budget cuts to local nonprofits that protect our most vulnerable is deeply concerning, and shocking — especially as the weather turns cold and the pandemic is putting these fellow DC residents even more at risk. As the virus wrecks havoc on our economy, this group of people will continue to grow, needing more resources and help to simply stay alive. On behalf of your constituent, at the very least please advocate for the D.C. government to seriously reconsider these budget cuts. And I would encourage you to go further in supporting policies and budget allocation proposals that increase resources for these essential services.”

Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau: bnadeau@dccouncil.us

Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto: bpinto@dccouncil.us

Ward 3 Councilmember Mary M. Cheh: mcheh@dccouncil.us

Ward 4: Councilmember Brandon T.Todd: btodd@dccouncil.us

Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie: kmcduffie@dccouncil.us

Ward 6: Councilmember Charles Allen: callen@dccouncil.us

Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent C. Gray: vgray@dccouncil.us

Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White, Sr.: twhite@dccouncil.us

2. Donate. Donate. Donate. If you can. Your time if you’re feeling safe, but more than ever these organizations need money, as they know how best to allocate it. Here’s a list of local nonprofits that make it easy to donate online:

This pandemic has been hard for all of us, in varying ways. Let’s remember to be grateful — for our health, families, friends, loved ones, and zoom- even for its occasionally failings. And above all, be kind, help others, protect strangers, and keep it up. There’s light at the end of the tunnel, let’s bring all those we can with us.