District Withdraws Funding From Nonprofits That Help Homeless

DC is planning to cut funding from some local organizations that offer services for people experiencing homelessness, while COVID-19 cases surge in the area, according to a report by DCist/WAMU.

The total amount is expected to reach tens of thousands of dollars for each nonprofit. However, the details haven’t been concluded yet.

It is not known how many organizations will be affected by the decision, but the report confirms that at least six are included, all of which are working to help young individuals experiencing homelessness.

The funding reductions are likely to cause setbacks for the targeted organizations’ operations.

In a separate development, a number of local charities based in the city penned a letter to the District government, demanding part of the DC bridge fund that is worth $100 million to be used for vulnerable and low-income residents.

DC’s bridge fund aims to support the city’s local businesses that are struggling due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“We unequivocally support aid for DC’s local business community to ensure all facets of the District economy can survive this pandemic and eventually emerge stronger,” said the letter. “However, we are concerned that without significant adjustments to the Bridge Fund, the District will miss critical opportunities to maximize our precious reserve funds. A just economic stability and recovery plan that advances resiliency, equity, and public health would ensure basic human needs are met alongside the needs of the business community.”

The charities called on the DC administration to not waste “an opportunity to go even farther in supporting all those in need by feeding the proverbial two birds with one hand.”

Addressed to Deputy Mayor John Falcicchio, the letter was signed by the following nonprofits: