In Mayor Bowser's proposed FY26 budget, critical funding for D.C.'s Access to Justice Initiative is being slashed by 67% from $31.7 million to just $10.5 million. This will devastate access to free legal services for low-income families, survivors of domestic violence, returning citizens, and youth at risk of incarceration or family separation. At the same time, SNAP funding remains flat despite rising food costs.
This is personal for me. I was illegally evicted in 2024, and my tenant rights were violated from 2021–2024. As a single mother furthering my education and facing unemployment, I relied on public assistance, legal support, and reentry programs to keep my children active, housed, fed, and safe. Programs like Diapers, WIC, SNAP, aftercare, and school meals were not extras they were our lifeline.
Now, as the founder and program developer of WRAP-IT (Wraparound Reentry Advocacy Program for Intervention and Transformation), I advocate for youth, families, and returning citizens who still face those same struggles. WRAP-IT offers legal navigation, peer recovery support, family reunification, and workforce development for justice-impacted residents in DC.
We cannot afford to cut these services. We need more investment in programs that prevent homelessness, restore families, and keep our communities safe and whole.
I am asking the D.C. Council to:
Fully restore $31.7 million to the Access to Justice Initiative. Increase SNAP and food program funding to reflect real inflation. Invest in community-led solutions like WRAP-IT that help people rebuild, not recidivate. Our communities deserve dignity, protection, and support not budget cuts. These programs services saved my life. Let's protect them for others.
