

Closing the Gap on Homelessness in the Nation’s Capital
According to a recent study published in the USA Today, as the nation’s capital, D.C. is home to many high paying legal, government and other professional jobs. The D.C. area is one of just eight where over 50 percent of adults have at least a bachelor’s degree. As of March 2018, the unemployment rate was 3.6 percent.
Yet, D.C. has one of the highest rates of homelessness in the country. According to a 2016 report by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, D.C. ranked number one out of 32 major cities with the highest rate of homelessness.
Most of us can’t imagine losing everything. Most of us don’t think about where our next meal is coming from or wonder what roof will hold us for the night. The truth is that most of us will never have to know. But for nearly 7000 DC residents, these are real problems with dire implications.
There are limitless circumstances surrounding how a person may become homeless whether it’s a layoff, substance addiction, mental health, or debt, and for many the climb up to stability may be harder than the fall. Navigating the system, financial restrictions or even something as simple as getting an ID, can make the process seem impossible.
The cyclical nature of the problems associated with homelessness—, poverty and a lack of essential resources—often prevents people from fully recovering their lives. While shelters and food kitchens help support those on the streets day to day, they are solutions that can’t single-handedly address the systemic issues of poverty. And even if someone manages to pick themselves up, immersion and reintegration don’t come easy without the proper tools. That’s where United Way of the National Capital Area is changing the game.
“Todd here has been, like a guardian angel.”
– Andre Robinson 2018 Project Homeless Connect Participant
Along with connecting participants to essential services, volunteers and participants have a unique opportunity to impact each other’s lives.
Overjoyed by the friendship participant Andre Robinson had across the day he exclaimed, “Todd here has been, like a guardian angel.”
“This place has really just allowed me to connect with some places that I been trying to get to and just been too busy to get to,” Robinson said of the employment and hair-cutting services offered by Project Homeless Connect.
“The fact that I was able to help Andre out here today,” Robinson’s guide Todd Lundberg expressed, “it really touched me, it was a really great experience.”
Watch the video to experience this year’s PHC.
Learn more about volunteer opportunities.