District Alliance for Safe Housing (DASH)

One in three women experiencing homelessness in DC cites domestic violence as the cause of her housing instability. So DASH offers a continuum of housing services, providing women and their children with safe emergency, transitional, and permanent affordable housing, and the tools to regain their safety and economic independence. Its Housing Resource Center serves as a hub of homelessness prevention, where survivors access one-on-one guidance and support, and service providers receive education and training to improve their response to victims. An emergency fund helps cover expenses (utilities, rent, medical or legal fees) so that survivors can maintain their current homes – and their freedom from abuse. A lifeline for over 350 survivors fleeing violence each year, DASH believes no one should have to choose between living with abuse and living on the streets. Don’t you agree?

COVID-19 Update: During a pandemic, when jobs and wages are lost and stress increases, domestic violence goes up and survivors are especially vulnerable. DASH remains on the front lines to ensure they receive care during COVID-19. It has seen an alarming increase in housing and service requests for survivors and families – four times the normal volume. The Housing Resource Center, whose walk-in clinics have transitioned to call-in clinics, welcomes survivors in crisis and helps them access housing and emergency assistance through the Survivor Resilience Fund, which has already seen a staggering 25% increase in demand.