I am serving again as an LBDI Advocate! Across November 13-17, I will be wearing the same black outfit to raise awareness of homelessness and housing insecurity in the greater DC area while raising funds to support the JLW’s Community Assistance Fund, which awards grants of up to $5,000 to DC-area nonprofits for their critical community support programs. Our collective fundraising goal is $40,000 (or 8 CAF grants). Gifts of any size are appreciated and add up!

My personal goal is $3,000, and I will be fundraising in honor and memory of friend and former JLW member Heather Brown, who passed away on September 26, 2023, after a long battle against breast cancer. Heather enthusiastically served on committees that directly align with the spirit of LBDI and JLW's Community Assistance Fund, connecting trained volunteers, resources, and supplies with individuals experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness. During her time as a JLW leader, she chaired the annual Tossed & Found Rummage Sale and oversaw the sale's Community Cash Card program; she also led the League's volunteer placement with A Wider Circle.

***

The greater Washington, DC area consistently ranks as one of the highest costs of living in the country, primarily due to high housing costs; this is especially true for residents of color. On any given day, roughly 30% of families are concerned about paying their rent – and when families must spend significantly more than 30% of their income on housing, budgets become pinched and lives become unstable. By contributing to LBDI, you are directly supporting DC-area organizations working to address homelessness and housing insecurity.