On any given day in the District of Columbia, 12,000 children, families, and individuals are homeless and or in need of food; 82% of these families are headed by single women. As we approached the Thanksgiving holiday, reporter Brenda Hayes and producer Rebecca Steadwell sought out the city’s homeless as well as those who help to meet their needs and asked them one simple question. Are you thankful? Their report gives a candid glimpse into the day-to-day reality of the District’s neediest residents.

A Meal at the Community for Creative Non-Violence

Give Thanks MP3

Organizations highlighted in this piece include the Community for Creative Non-Violence and DC Central Kitchen who help to provide over 600,000 meals a year to DC residents. Although CCNV relies entirely on donations to fund its operations, DC Central Kitchen receives upwards of $50,000 a year from the District government. That may change as the DC Council decides how to fix a $175 million budget shortfall. But DC Central Kitchen and organizations like it don’t have to end up on the city budget chopping block.

Rather than more cuts, it is time for a balanced approach that includes progressive revenue. Right now DC’s top tax rate (8.5%) starts at $40,000 a year. City leaders should create a new tax bracket of 1% more for income over $200,000. The revenue raised can help preserve the programs we are thankful for. If you care about this issue, send an email to Chairman Gray and ask him to take a balanced approach and protect the programs you care about.