78 YEARS HEARTBEAT COMMUNITY

HOUSING
The District of Columbia of 2016 is a very different city from the one of 10 or
20 years ago. The country continues to slowly climb out of a punishing and lingering
recession that has dragged on for more than seven years and taken with it the fortunes
of the middle class. The recession, coupled with the housing crash, has left certain
individuals and families devastated even as some parts of society – such as Wall Street
and big business – have rebounded.
What is playing out in our city and surrounding jurisdictions is a scenario of brisk
and widespread change. In DC, the shift is best illustrated by the influx of more than 1,100
new residents a month at the height of the population boom and the displacement of more
than 20 percent of this city’s longtime, primarily minority population. The complexion of
neighborhoods has shifted, as long-time and middle-class residents, and others with more
modest means, struggle to pay soaring rents. The cost of living continues to spiral upward and
affordable housing, for the most part, is seemingly non-existant.
Experts say that it’s a severe problem with almost 25 percent of residents in the region
paying up to 50 percent of their incomes on rent. Meanwhile, the fair-market price for rent in
this region has increased by 70 percent over the past 10 years. And the city continues to lose
affordable housing units. As units are lost, rents have increased and wages and salaries have
not kept pace.
20%
Recent changes in DC have created
the displacement of more than 20
percent of this city’s longtime, primarily
minority population.
What this illustrates is that our suite of housing programs
including the Home Purchase Assistance Program is needed
more now than ever and remains critical to our mission of
economic empowerment.
1940 - The League was founded without government funding,
so it launched a campaign and raised $10,000. After joining the
Washington, DC Council of Social Agencies in 1941, the League
became entitled to receive $4,000 a year in government funds.
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