Washington, D.C. is a city of vibrant neighborhoods and people, rich in history and diversity. Yet, beneath the iconic monuments and government buildings, many D.C. residents face significant challenges that can disrupt everyday life. Housing instability, job insecurity, and food scarcity affect families and individuals across the District. At Fertile Ground, we believe in standing with our neighbors, listening to their stories, and connecting them with the support they need to thrive.
We Can Create a Stronger D.C.
Housing Insecurity
For thousands in D.C., finding a stable home isn’t guaranteed. In January 2024, the District’s annual Point-In-Time (PIT) Count showed a 14% increase in homelessness from the previous year. Families, in particular, experienced a sharp 39% rise in homelessness, reflecting the impact of rising rents and economic pressures that push people out of secure housing. While this is challenging news, the overall homelessness rate is still 12% lower than it was before the pandemic, a testament to community action and the impact of housing support services (D.C. Department of Human Services).
Take Ward 8, for example, where families feel the weight of housing costs. There, it’s common to see neighbors leaning on each other—opening their doors to family members who have lost their housing or supporting each other in ways that go beyond financial means. For those at the edge of housing insecurity, a single unexpected expense can lead to weeks or even months of uncertainty. Fertile Ground partners with local organizations to offer housing assistance to families facing these challenges, helping to ensure that, despite rising numbers, more families can keep a roof over their heads.
Job Insecurity
In Washington, D.C., the economy reflects both growth and change. As of June 2024, D.C.’s unemployment rate stood at 5.4%, with recent job increases showing hopeful signs for the economy. But as the city grows, the job market remains a complex picture, especially for those affected by shifts in federal employment, which dropped by 2% from 2020 to 2024. For some residents, federal job losses are more than a statistic; they mean fewer opportunities, fewer stable incomes, and more economic strain (D.C. Department of Employment Services; Marketplace).
In Wards 7 and 8, this can look like parents working multiple part-time jobs, piecing together work without the security of full-time employment. For others, it means taking on work outside their field of expertise or starting over in entirely new careers. Fertile Ground understands that job insecurity is often tied to housing and food insecurity. That’s why we provide training programs and career support to help residents find sustainable employment, aiming to empower individuals and families to reach financial stability.
Food Insecurity
Food insecurity remains one of the most urgent issues facing D.C. residents. The Capital Area Food Bank’s 2024 Hunger Report found that 37% of households in the greater Washington region experienced food insecurity between May 2023 and May 2024. Imagine a parent walking into a grocery store, wondering if they’ll have enough to last the week, or children starting school on an empty stomach because food was scarce the night before. Food insecurity rose by 5% over the last year, a reflection of the challenges that many in our community face just to secure basic needs (Capital Area Food Bank).
In neighborhoods across the District, many rely on food banks and community kitchens as essential resources. Fertile Ground works alongside these partners to provide nutritious food to those in need. We meet residents where they are, helping to ease the burden of hunger for families, children, and seniors. Food is more than sustenance; it’s hope, health, and the energy needed to pursue one’s dreams.
“Homelessness isn’t a condition - it’s a moment any of us could face. Our communities are strongest when we stand together, offering a hand to lift each other back up.”
- Jason Saunders, Fertile Ground
Fertile Ground’s Commitment
At Fertile Ground, we listen to the stories of our community members and respond with compassion and action. Our mission is to connect residents with essential services that address these fundamental needs, fostering stability, strength, and a sense of belonging.
- Housing Support: We collaborate with local groups to secure safe, affordable housing options, working to keep families in their homes and support those at risk of losing theirs.
- Employment Opportunities: Through training and career guidance, we empower residents to build stable, rewarding careers, lifting them towards financial independence and renewed purpose.
- Nutritional Assistance: By partnering with food banks and community kitchens, we provide consistent access to nutritious meals, helping to combat hunger and its far-reaching effects.
Impact
Throughout our work, we have met individuals who, despite facing daunting odds, have found stability and opportunity. Some were on the brink of eviction or struggling with unemployment, while others overcame food insecurity and now use their experiences to uplift others in their community.
Join Us in Making a Difference
These stories and statistics reflect a city that is as compassionate as it is diverse. At Fertile Ground, we’re committed to walking alongside our neighbors, providing support, and fostering change. Together, we’re building a Washington, D.C., where everyone has a stable home, secure work, and access to nourishing food.
