Homelessness in the District of Columbia increased by 14% in the last year, according to the 2024 Point in Time (PIT) Count. But it’s not due to a lack of funding. In fact, D.C. gives millions of dollars aimed at ending homelessness back to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, because the District simply doesn’t have enough people to staff its programs. Last year, 800 people who qualified for a housing voucher couldn’t begin the process due to the lack of workers.
D.C. desperately needs social workers to carry out its fight against homelessness. Unless the shortage is addressed, we should expect to see the number of people experiencing homelessness continue to grow. District leaders must prioritize efforts to attract, train, and retain the next generation of social workers.
Thankfully, D.C. has already taken meaningful steps in the right direction. Last year, the D.C. Council approved a program to fully cover tuition for social work master’s students who would commit to spending two years working in the District. Similarly, the University of Maryland is now offering in-state tuition to D.C. residents. The heavy financial burden of graduate school debt and low pay is a common barrier to entry for would-be social workers. D.C. has demonstrated a clear commitment to strengthening the pipeline of social workers by lowering these barriers.
Still, there is more to do. Lightening the financial burden of getting an education in social work makes it possible for more students to enter the field. But graduate programs also typically require internships, which are essential for developing practical skills. These internships are usually unpaid, making it difficult for many students to earn their degrees without going into debt. Paid internships should be standard practice. Similarly, legislators and agencies should prioritize initiatives for state scholarships and loan forgiveness programs that ensure no aspiring social worker is forced to choose between gaining experience and paying their bills.
Beyond financial assistance, solving the homelessness crisis requires systemic changes within the social work profession.
In the short term, D.C. can offer quick relief to the shortage by joining the Social Work Licensure Compact, which creates a multistate license that allows licensed social workers to practice in any participating state. Signing on means D.C. can attract professionals from neighboring states such as Maryland and Virginia. This would help fill the immediate staffing gaps while the District works to grow its own pool of social workers.
A long-term solution starts with increasing awareness about the vital role of social workers. Too often, their contributions go unnoticed and unappreciated by the surrounding community. Many people are unaware of the services social workers provide, whether it be connecting individuals with housing or offering mental health support. Public perception often undervalues the profession, missing its importance in solving social challenges. D.C. can foster greater respect for the profession and encourage more individuals to pursue careers in social work by highlighting the impact social workers have on the community.
D.C. has shown it has the financial resources and political will to address homelessness. It must invest in the human capital it needs to turn plans into action. By prioritizing social workers, it can build a stronger, more compassionate city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
