Addressing the Homelessness Crisis in Washington, D.C.
In 2011, The Westside Seattle featured me in the article “Des Moines Churches Opened Homeless Filmmaker’s Eyes.” This piece highlighted my challenge to Seattle’s mayor to participate in a 24-hour experience of homelessness to understand the struggles of those affected better and develop practical solutions. Although the mayor did not accept the challenge, the experience ignited my passion to fight for people experiencing homelessness. I am extending a similar challenge to Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington, D.C.
As of 2023, Washington, D.C., is in the grip of a severe homelessness crisis, with over 4,900 individuals without stable housing. This alarming statistic means the District has the highest rate of homelessness in the nation, affecting approximately 73 out of every 10,000 residents. This statistic is not just a number, but a deepening emergency that demands immediate and unwavering attention.
Earlier this year, organizations like Miriam’s Kitchen and The Way Home Campaign urged Mayor Bowser to include substantial funding for effective homelessness programs in her Fiscal Year 2025 budget proposal. These programs, such as Miriams Kitchen and Thrive D.C, have shown promising results in combating homelessness. Sadly, the proposed budget threatens to cut these essential programs and raises concerns about racial equity, potentially undoing progress made in addressing chronic homelessness.
The recent Grants Pass ruling has given jurisdictions the power to enforce stricter laws on homelessness. MRSC.org states that “localities may impose criminal penalties for acts like public camping and public sleeping without violating the Eighth Amendment — even if they lack sufficient available shelter space to accommodate their unhoused population.” These laws could worsen the situation if policies align with the mayor’s current approach. Miriam’s Kitchen warned that the mayor’s budget proposals, in response to a $1 billion shortfall, risk harming vulnerable residents and could have severe implications for racial equity. We call on the D.C. Council to intervene, protect essential programs and support the most at-risk communities.
As a former homeless single parent who battled addiction and traveled across the country with my daughter Erica for nearly 20 years, I have lived through the challenges of homelessness firsthand. I recall nights in shelters, the constant uncertainty of finding the next meal, and the profound isolation that came with it. These experiences have driven me to become a social impact documentary filmmaker and activist committed to raising awareness about homelessness.
In light of the current crisis, I propose a transformative solution. I challenge Mayor Bowser to participate in a 24-hour homeless challenge. This initiative, if embraced, could provide her with a direct, immersive experience to better understand the daily realities of those experiencing homelessness. Similar initiatives in cities like Houston and Salt Lake City have led to significant progress, such as Houston’s successful “By Name List” strategy, which directly identifies and helps the homeless population. By investing in such innovative solutions, we can achieve similar success in D.C.
It’s also vital to address the fact that homelessness disproportionately affects marginalized communities, mainly Black and Latino residents. Any effective strategy to combat homelessness must focus on racial equity and prioritize funding for programs that support these communities. Ending homelessness is more than just providing housing — it’s about ensuring justice and fairness for everyone in our society.
Our vision should include:
- Reducing homelessness.
- Enhancing support systems.
- Increasing affordable housing access.
- Empowering residents through community programs.
This vision is not a distant dream, but a tangible future we can create through decisive and compassionate action.
The Time for Action Is Now
We must advocate for bold investments and transformative policies that address the needs of all D.C. residents. By coming together as a community, we can drive meaningful change and work toward a future where homelessness is no longer a pervasive issue, but a challenge we have overcome.
A Vision for a Brighter Future
The homelessness crisis in Washington, D.C., requires urgent action. I call on Mayor Muriel Bowser to accept the 24-hour homeless challenge and to invest in effective, equitable solutions for ending homelessness. We can achieve real change through collective effort and empathy, and work toward a brighter future for all.
