Metro DC Policy Update: Combatting Homelessness, DC Gender-Affirming Care Cuts, GWU Layoffs, New GMU Discrimination Case, DC Higher Ed Funding Lawsuit, Student Loan Fears 

(Week of July 21-25, 2025) 

- NASW Metro DC Urges DC City Council to Invest in Proven Homelessness Prevention Programs, Resources
- Council Vote Postponed on Housing Reform-Focused RENTAL Act till July 28
- Federal Funding/Social Work Education: GWU Announces Staff Layoffs, Department of Justice Discrimination Lawsuit 
- DC Children’s National Hospital Halting Gender-Affirming Care August 30 
- DC Joins Two Dozen States to Sue the Trump Administration for Full Release of $6.8 Billion in Education Funding
- Student Loan Impacts from Federal Budget Bill Passage Raise Fear, Confusion as Students Return to DC Universities 

Affordable Housing/Homelessness: NASW Metro DC Urges DC City Council to Invest in Proven Homelessness Prevention Programs, Resources
NASW Metro DC has sent the DC City Council a letter urging it to “invest in permanent supportive housing (PSH) for 1,260 individuals and 608 families, homelessness prevention through Project Reconnect, Homeless Street Outreach, eviction prevention, and other permanent housing resources (Emergency Rental Assistance Program Fund and Local Rent Supplement Program vouchers).” The letter, coordinated with partners at The Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless, also recommended reallocating funds dedicated to encampment closures into other solutions that help the unhoused population. The council will vote again on budget bills on July 28.

Affordable Housing/Homelessness: City Council Postpones Housing Reform-Focused RENTAL Act till July 28
On July 14, the DC City Council postponed the first reading of the much-anticipated Rebalancing Expectations for Neighbors, Tenants, and Landlords Act (RENTAL) until July 28, despite voting to move Mayor Bowser’s version out of committee. Committee on Housing Chair Robert White, Jr.—who opposed the delay—voiced concern that the move could push final passage of any housing reform until September. He later stated, “While today’s postponement came as a surprise, it does not take away from the countless conversations I’ve had with residents, advocates, and housing experts to shape amendments that would stabilize our housing markets and bring lasting accountability to the housing production and preservation process…. If delaying the vote allows the Council to make informed decisions that work for the people, not for headlines, I remain committed to passing legislation that … sets us up for meaningful housing stability across the District.”

Education: The District Joins Multi-State Lawsuit to Demand Trump Administration Releases $6.8 Billion in Education Funds
Education/Mental Health: The District joined with 24 states to sue the U.S. Education Department for the release of $6.8 billion in public education funding that has withheld for unclear reasons, only weeks before the new school year is scheduled to start. The congressionally allocated monies were to pay for free or low-cost after-school programs, teacher training, and English literacy assistance, prompting parents to panic about finding safe, affordable childcare and travel arrangements at this late date. Read more here and follow other relevant education news in the chapter’s Policy Section.

LGBTQIA2S+: DC Children’s National Hospital Halting Gender-Affirming Care August 30 
Children’s National Hospital in DC says it will stop prescribing gender-affirming medicines for transgender youth by Aug. 30 due to “escalating legal and regulatory risks.” Two weeks ago the U.S. Department of Justice issued 20+ subpoenas to health facilities and individual providers who offer such care to minors, threatening that doctors would be “held accountable for mutilating children in the service of a warped ideology.” The hospital—which also announced a 70-person layoff of nonclinical senior and administrative staff on July 21--did not note if it had received any subpoenas and urged patients to tap the facility’s LGBTQIA2S+ mental health and support services

Federal Funding/Social Work Education: GWU Announces Staff Layoffs, Department of Justice Discrimination Lawsuit 
George Washington University has announced it will begin staff layoffs and other financial cuts in light of reduced federal funding and budget challenges. The institution has not yet announced publicly which of its schools or facilities will experience the reductions. The belt-tightening is occurring nationally in many universities and colleges, including those with social work schools or programs. Catholic University, for instance, announced in late May that financial challenges are to blame for a 7% reduction of staff.  

Student Loan Impacts from “Big, Beautiful Bill” Passage Raise Fear, Confusion as Students Return to DC Universities 
Social work students at George Washington University and other DC higher education institutions expressed worry and confusion about how they will be impacted by the significantly changed rules and stricter accountability provisions to federal financial aid made by the congressionally passed “One Big, Beautiful Budget Bill.” As student return to their studies in the coming weeks, schools are warning anyone counting on the Public Service Forgiveness Loan Program, income-adjusted repayment plans, and other elements that they will “likely” be affected. However, universities are waiting for more implementation guidance “to fully understand the potential impact on enrollment and revenue,” according to a GWU article. NASW partner SAVI stands ready to help NASW student members navigate this new financial climate—contact them today!