DASH advocates for $82M funding to support domestic violence survivors in DC

The Performance Oversight Hearing of the District of Columbia's Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety took place on January 29, 2025, chaired by Councilmember Brooke Pinto. The meeting focused on the critical issues surrounding victim services, housing for survivors of domestic violence, and reentry programs for returning citizens.

The session began with testimonies from various organizations, including the District Alliance for Safe Housing (DASH), which highlighted its role as the largest dedicated safe housing provider for survivors of domestic violence. Zaneta Green, Director of Community Housing Programs at DASH, reported that the organization had successfully housed 305 individuals in fiscal year 2024, emphasizing the importance of funding from the Office of Victims Services and Justice Grants (OVSJG). Green shared a poignant story of a survivor named Monique, illustrating how DASH's support and funding enabled her to secure stable housing and rebuild her life.

Olubumia Kinko, Chief Program Officer at DASH, echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for continued funding to support the organization's comprehensive services. Kinko urged the council to recognize the challenges faced by organizations led by people of color, particularly in light of funding cuts that disproportionately affect these groups.

Paula Thompson, President and CEO of Voices for a Second Chance, represented the DC Reentry Action Network and addressed the urgent need to reverse funding reductions for reentry services. Thompson pointed out that funding for these services had been cut by 26% since 2022, despite a significant increase in demand. She highlighted the critical role of stable housing in the reintegration process for returning citizens and called for renewed support to ensure successful outcomes.

Natalia Otero, Executive Director of DC Safe, emphasized the organization's commitment to providing intervention services for survivors of intimate partner violence. Otero discussed the importance of data collection in understanding patterns of violence and the need for innovative funding solutions to support ongoing initiatives.

Throughout the hearing, the committee members expressed appreciation for the testimonies and the vital work being done by these organizations. The overarching theme was a call for sustained and increased funding to support victim services, housing stability for survivors, and effective reentry programs for returning citizens.

In conclusion, the hearing underscored the critical need for collaboration and adequate funding to address the complex challenges faced by vulnerable populations in the District of Columbia. The committee plans to review the budget requests and consider the testimonies as they move forward in supporting these essential services.