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
Blog
DC’s Black Residents Increasingly Live East of the Anacostia River
By Claire Zippel • September 28, 2016 • Affordable Housing & Ending Homelessness / Inclusive Economy / Income & Poverty
Blog
DC’s Racial Inequality Continues to Widen, Even as the City Sees Substantial Economic Growth
By DC Fiscal Policy Institute • September 15, 2016 • Income & Poverty
Blog
TANF at 20: TANF Parents Speak Out
By Kate Coventry • August 22, 2016 • Income & Poverty / TANF & Income Support
Latest on this Issue
Testimony
TANF Benefits Are a Lifeline for DC Families, and Limits and Cuts Will Do Major Harm
By Tazra Mitchell • June 6, 2025 • TANF & Income Support
Blog
Federal Layoffs Increase DC Unemployment and Threaten to Exacerbate Racial Inequity
By Shira Markoff and Connor Zielinski • June 2, 2025 • Income & Poverty
Blog
US House Details its Cruel Plan to Take Food and Health Care from the Poor to Give to the Rich
By Erica Williams • May 16, 2025 • Income & Poverty / Revenue & Budget
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