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
Testimony
Testimony of Idara Nickelson, Policy Analyst, At the Public Hearing on Fiscal Year 2004 and Fiscal Year 2005 Spending and Performance by the Department of Human Services District of Columbia Committee on Human Services
By DC Fiscal Policy Institute • February 22, 2005 • Income & Poverty / Revenue & Budget / TANF & Income Support
Press Release
Press Release: DC’s Shortage of Affordable Housing Worsening
By DC Fiscal Policy Institute • January 13, 2005 • Affordable Housing & Ending Homelessness / Income & Poverty
Report
Squeezed Out: The Worsening Shortage of Affordable Housing for Low-Income DC Households
By DC Fiscal Policy Institute • January 13, 2005 • Affordable Housing & Ending Homelessness / 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
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