Testimonies and Hearings

Advocacy and public hearings are essential to advancing SOME’s mission of breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness in Washington, D.C. While our direct services—like food, housing, healthcare, and job training—offer immediate and life-changing support, advocacy ensures that the systems surrounding our clients are equitable, responsive, and adequately funded. By participating in City Council hearings and engaging with policymakers, SOME brings the real-life experiences of our community into policy conversations. This work helps protect vital safety net programs, shape inclusive workforce strategies, and push for structural solutions to long-standing inequities.

SOME’s presence at hearings also reinforces our role as a trusted voice for the communities we serve. When our staff testify before the D.C. Council, we’re not just sharing data—we’re telling the stories of our clients, identifying service gaps, and offering solutions grounded in decades of frontline experience. Advocacy allows us to influence public budgets, champion access to care and training, and ensure that voices from Wards 7 and 8 are represented in decision-making. It’s how we fight for lasting change—both inside and outside of the hearing room.