FY26 Budget Testimony: Department of Human Services
Policy Attorney Makenna Osborn testified before the Committee on Human Servies at the FY26 Budget Oversight Hearing for the Department of Human Services (DHS).
Adequately funding homelessness prevention services and housing programs that help families consistently afford rent is a cost-effective strategy for preventing childhood housing insecurity. At a time when the District faces a challenging financial outlook, our testimony urges the Committee to adequately fund the DHS programs that help DC families access and maintain housing security. We identify recommendations for how this Committee can amend the proposed FY26 budget to better meet the needs of our clients and other DC families by 1) gathering clear information from DHS on the costs per family across different housing resources and capacities for assistance in each program based on the Mayor’s proposed budget and 2) prioritizing funding for new long-term housing vouchers because they are the most effective for resource for extremely low-income families.
It’s Time for Healthier and Safer Housing for all DC Residents
When a child lives in unhealthy housing, they are more likely to end up in the ER because their poor housing conditions trigger health issues like asthma. That’s why Children’s Law Center partners with organizations across the city to advocate for healthier housing so that all DC children have the safe housing they need to live healthy lives.