The 51st (Aug 20) [Originally published by Street Sense Media]
"Since its creation, D.C.’s Commission on Poverty has struggled to fulfill its mission of working and advocating for those living in poverty in D.C. Instead, commissioners say they have spent time legitimizing the commission to the same D.C. agencies it is meant to collaborate with. Some commission members and poverty policy experts say the D.C. government’s lack of financial support and urgency to appoint commission members reflect a greater failure to support Washingtonians in poverty. ...
"Now, there’s concern the largely advisory body will continue struggling to make a meaningful impact on the District’s response to poverty as it lacks funding and a trusted reputation within D.C. government. Approximately 117,000 people, or 17.3% of D.C.’s population, are living in poverty, according to the most recent U.S. Census data."
