When we say we want to reimagine systems that affect low-income communities, what do we mean? Every organization in that space would probably give a different answer. LIFT would say that they would like all systems to operate with Hope, Money, and Love by investing in families. United Planning Organization would say that systems should enable all communities to thrive and every resident to be economically secure. In a system where nonprofits may feel pitted against each other for limited funding, what if organizations united their planning efforts for a shared opportunity?
United Planning Organization, in partnership with LIFT-DC, did just that. Together, we worked hand in hand on a summit to educate our broader DC community on the immediate and broader implications of the benefits cliff, which causes individuals who just start to earn a little more money to immediately and sometimes precipitously lose crucial food, cash, housing, and health benefits. We illustrated how this cliff can derail the dreams and goals of our most vulnerable communities, and we collectively brainstormed how to make meaningful change towards ensuring all DC residents can thrive. This event intentionally included a cross sector of diverse perspectives. We had government representatives, the private sector. community leaders, organizations, lived experience experts, and more, all in one room with one shared vision – to find ways to chip away at the benefits cliff. What was the result of that shared vision?
The half-day event, generously sponsored by Capital One, started with a Benefits Cliff 101 lesson from Heather Hahn, a Vice President at the Urban Institute, followed by an exercise that allowed every participant to dig into an example of how the benefits cliff plays out in DC.
VP Community Impact and Investment, Capital One
It also included a panel conversation to dig into the nuances of the topic and to start to explore solutions. This flowed into four breakout sessions that allowed participants to learn more about a specific aspect of the benefits cliff and innovative efforts to address it.
UPO and LIFT-DC know that policy is not just a numbers game or written legislation, but an active practice and promise from our community and government. We must work collaboratively to understand and center lived expertise when crafting policy.
As Monique, a lived-experience expert and LIFT-DC member, so eloquently put it, “ I want policymakers and community members to know that if utilized properly, the system has tremendous benefits and can been extremely beneficial.”
What is next for addressing the benefits cliff in DC? Stay tuned and stay involved! UPO and LIFT-DC are taking the wisdom generated at the conference to identify potential legislative and budget actions the District could take to meaningfully address the benefits cliff. Please reach out if you have specific priorities or if you just want to partner with us! This first convening may be over, but the connections, brilliance, and ideation are only just beginning.
Click here for more info about UPO
Click here for more info about LIFT
Click here for more info about our event sponsor Capital One
Click here for Monique’s full panel response