Even as DC’s economy grows, it is marked by stark racial inequalities in income, wealth, and poverty. Affording the basics, such as rent, food, and utilities is a daily challenge for many DC residents. This is disproportionately true for Black residents, one in five of whom live in poverty. Income support programs help people make ends meet and boost long-term education and health outcomes for children. By helping residents pay their bills, care for their children and possibly save for a rainy day, DC can help create more stability and a future of shared abundance.
Featured Publications & Resources
Report
Opportunities for the District to Collect $46 Million in TANF Stimulus Funds
By DC Fiscal Policy Institute • October 29, 2009 • Income & Poverty / TANF & Income Support
Testimony
Testimony of Katie Kerstetter, Policy Analyst, DC Fiscal Policy Institute, for the Public Hearing on Options for Human Services Programming Available Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, District of Columbia Committee on Human Services
By DC Fiscal Policy Institute • October 5, 2009 • Income & Poverty / Revenue & Budget / TANF & Income Support
Report
Census Data Show No Major Changes in DC Poverty in 2008: Yet Figures Reveal Large Disparities in Poverty between Different Population Groups
By Jenny Reed • October 2, 2009 • Income & Poverty
Latest on this Issue
Blog
DC Contends with Extreme Child Poverty Disparities by Race, Place, and Age
By Connor Zielinski • March 10, 2025 • Income & Poverty
Blog
Poverty Reduction Stalled While Racial and Income Inequality Persisted in 2023
By Tazra Mitchell • September 16, 2024 • Income & Poverty
Fact Sheets
DC Can Boost Income to Tackle Child Poverty
By DC Fiscal Policy Institute • May 23, 2024 • Income & Poverty / TANF & Income Support
Issue Experts
