What can we say? We're suckers for a good cause. And there are few causes as worthy as defeating poverty in the District. That's why DC Action for Children is proud to lend our name and support to the growing Defeat Poverty DC campaign. 

The campaign was launched by a coalition of groups and individuals concerned about deteriorating conditions for the poor across the city to focus the attention of our elected leaders on solutions. We cannot expect to improve outcomes for D.C. youngest and most vulnerable citizens if we don't also address the underlying issues that perpetuates the cruel cycle of poverty for families and communities. 

Consider the facts:

• Here in the nation's capital, one of three residents is low-income. That means they are living on less than twice the federal poverty line, or roughly $35,000 for an adult living with two children.
• One in three children in D.C. lives in poverty (32%, compared with the national average of 18%). 
• Nearly two-thirds of children in D.C. Public Schools and public charter schools are eligible for a free or reduced-price lunch.
• By age 4, children who live below the poverty line are 18 months behind what is normal for their age group in terms of cognitive development--a gap that persists through at least age 10, and often far beyond. 

To find out more or sign on to the campaign, visit www.DefeatPovertyDC.org. And to learn more about how poverty affects children's development, visit our Children & Poverty page.