29.10.2024

A Roadmap to Avoiding the Public Benefits Cliff in DC

Public benefit programs – such as income, food, housing, childcare or healthcare assistance – provide vital resources to support the economic security of households with low incomes. 

Cares GED graduates
4.10.2024

Pandemic Response

As the pandemic took a toll on our beloved city, UPO was needed more than ever. UPO is the designated Community Action Agency for the District’s residents with low incomes,...

A mother feeding a baby that is being held by the father
4.9.2024

FY 2025 DC Budget Cuts Will Compound the Impact of Expired Federal Aid

Federal Pandemic Programs Provided Extensive Aid for Three Years, But Ended Abruptly, Leaving Low-Income DC Families Stranded FY 2025 DC BUDGET CUTS WILL COMPOUND THE IMPACT OF EXPIRED FEDERAL AID

A mother feeding a baby that is being held by the father
1.7.2024

Pandemic Aid in DC

As aid winds down for families with lower incomes, how does our community help them deal with ongoing financial struggles. We have recommendations for how to protect them. 

UPO educator Dominique Ennis-Bottoms nurtures Ava at our Randle Highlands Early Childhood Education Center.
18.4.2024

Fighting for pay and respect for teachers

Statement of Andrea Thomas, President and CEO of United Planning Organization (UPO) on the PROPOSED ELIMINATION OF THE CHILDCARE PAY EQUITY FUND

Desk with a gavel in the forefront, behind it are scales and a laptop
12.1.2024

UPO Legislative and Budget Advocacy Priorities

Each year, UPO asks customers and staff to share the most urgent issues for our community. Here is the summary that is driving our work.

Street level view of a tall building
1.9.2023

Affordable Housing

Washington DC has an affordable housing crisis. UPO is constantly researching what our community can do to improve the situation. See our analysis and then join us to create change....

Text reads "Still I rise"
20.7.2023

60-Year Story of UPO

UPO was founded in 1962 to help DC residents become the change agents of their lives — to lift themselves into economic security. See our legacy and impact in UPO’s...

black family with mom, dad and two young kids laughing while making dinner
14.6.2023

DC Should Expand Guaranteed Income Pilots to All Families, New Analysis Shows

DC SHOULD EXPAND GUARANTEED INCOME PILOTS TO ALL FAMILIES, NEW ANALYSIS SHOWS

A family of two parents and two children making food together happily
1.3.2023

Guaranteed Basic Income in DC

Two DC pilot programs are boosting the incomes of DC families with low incomes and hold great promise to improve economic security. Our paper shows why the District should expand...

Rep. Emmanueal Cleaver (D-Missouri) points to the two-room shack in Texas where he was raised without running water, indoor plumbing or electricity.
18.1.2023

Remembering King Through Prayer

UPO and MLK Jr. Holiday DC hold King-Centered Prayer Breakfasts

Man in a kitchen, along with other views of a building and blueprint
20.10.2022

ADU DC Homeowner’s Manual

What do you need to know before building a 2nd home on your property (an ADU – Accessory Dwelling Unit)? See our manual, created with the Coalition for Smarter Growth...

Freddie Jeffcoat sitting on the back of a bench
9.9.2022

Feeding his hunger to succeed

How did DC native Freddie Jeffcoat wind up diving into IT? He has a different job at a DC Public School but one day he volunteered to oversee the school’s...

Gina Miller smiling next to a tree

New skills + new mindset = a powerhouse

Southeast resident Gina Miller was unhappy as a contracted security guard. She was grateful to be working during the pandemic but was not fulfilled — she imagined more for her...

Angelo Brandon carrying a large box with a child double stroller in it

He’s paving a road to success

Angelo Brandon was in the prime of his life — at 30 years old, he was a talented artist and painter. He was also a single dad with no job....

Lawrence Jackson wearing a face mask
9.9.2022

A Second Home that Leads to His Future

DC native Lawrence Jackson just graduated from high school and from the UPO CARES Construction Trades Program. Earlier this year, on a school field trip to UPO’s Building Careers Academy,...

Ed Lazere headshot
26.8.2022

United Planning Organization Welcomes Ed Lazere as Legislative Advocacy Director

New team will help UPO address how policy impacts opportunity for District residents

Alexis Scott smiling, standing in front of a small lake at a park
26.5.2022

“I’m going forward.”

Alexis Scott never had much support for her education yet she hungered to learn more. When she saw a chance to take her next step, she grabbed it. She saw...

Woman playing with a preschool child
26.5.2022

Now she can reach her goals

DC native Alexis Simmons is the oldest of 8 siblings. She would often help her younger brother with his schoolwork — he had developmental delays and needed her aid. As the...

Victor Kolako giving a thumbs-up, sitting in front of his open laptop
26.5.2022

A Senior’s Peace of Mind

Victor Kolako was a DC senior citizen with a low income and a problem to solve. His laptop was old and its glitches kept getting worse. But new laptops were...

Lena Coleman smiling in front of a brick wall
26.5.2022

A Mother’s Ambition

DC native Lena Coleman always knew that education was her calling. She attended Morgan State University and earned her BA in Applied Liberal Studies with a concentration in Elementary Education....

Indian woman reading newspaper and drinking coffee on a couch at home
26.5.2022

She can stay in her home

“People are out here working, but they are still behind, and they need to know there is hope, that there is help – and they don’t know that. I have...

Sharon Gray-Rush sitting in front of her laptop with a cup of coffee
26.5.2022

Her computer is “a blessing”

For Sharon Gray-Rush, securing a laptop was a game-changer, especially during the pandemic: Her background in data entry meant that she had basic computer skills, but she didn’t own a...

black hight school student in front of electrical training area
22.3.2022

UPO Trains Students for New Careers

We introduce high school students to new career paths. The UPO Workforce Institute and our CARES Act team guide them to skilled careers with job security.

black man with black apron and black chef's hat speaking at a microphone
21.4.2021

Trust Chef Jerald Thomas to Train Cooks to Enter the D.C. Workforce

At the back of Chef Jerald Thomas’ classroom inside Frederick Douglas Early Learning Center on Stanton Road SE is a flashy bulletin board full of wisdom for anyone who’s being hard...

black woman hosting a census sign and calling out to passerby
22.9.2020

Advocates Make Final Push To Involve Hard-To-Count D.C. Areas In The Census

Olivia Henderson was cajoling, dancing and yelling outside the Bald Eagle Recreation Center on Joliet Street in Southwest D.C. the other day. She wasn’t trying to entertain pedestrians or drivers....

UPO board members
2.6.2020

UPO Sets Board Elections, Seeks Exceptional DC Leaders

The Board of Directors of United Planning Organization (“UPO”) announced elections for 4 open seats. These directors will represent low-income residents of the District of Columbia who are striving towards...

19.4.2020

At this D.C. day care, few kids, lots of hand-washing, and a savior for a single health-care worker

Now, Nacole Thrower can relax. Her son gets education, love, and support at a UPO emergency child-care center. That makes the COVID-19 crisis easier to bear. Read More at the...

14.10.2019

“Incredible people” drive in bone-chilling cold to help the homeless

When DC activated a Cold Emergency Alert, Fox5 reporter Josh Rosenthal wanted a compassionate lead story. He interviewed UPO outreach worker Vincent Blackson, whose kindness is in his blood: Blackson’s...

accessory dwelling unit
6.8.2019

United Planning Organization Announces Launch of ADU DC, an Accessory Dwelling Unit Initiative in Washington, DC

Initiative will catalyze affordable rental housing and increase financial stability for lower-income homeowners in Washington, DC

african-american woman in business attire smiling
19.7.2019

Congratulations to our new President & CEO: Andrea Thomas

Congratulations to our new President & CEO: Andrea Thomas A LETTER OF CONGRATULATIONS FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR Dear Friends and Colleagues, On behalf of the board of directors and search...

hispanic student holding giant scholarship check
25.1.2019

Scholarships for a dream

Scholarships for a Dream: An organization helps DC students with their university studies El Tiempo Latino cover storyBy Olga Imbaquingo SPECIAL TO EL TIEMPO LATINO Discipline and perseverance are two qualities...

25.1.2019

Making college dreams come true

Each year, UPO gives a $10,000 scholarship to each of 5 outstanding DC high school students. Keiri Sanchez, one of the scholars, aspires to become a pilot.

19.1.2019

‘I Pull Joy From Them:’ To Cope …

Wanda Dudley gives hope to people who think life has dealt them an unbearable hand because she once felt that way, too. She found healing by helping others at UPO’s...

older black woman plays with a young black girl in a classroom
31.12.2018

Foster grandparents volunteer and share their love at schools

In our series, A More Perfect Union, we aim to show that what unites us as Americans is far greater than what divides us. We look into a program that...

29.10.2018

A big balloon of joy: D.C. grandparents give students mentors, and themselves a purpose

Cynthia Brown-Thomas’s job requires her to rise before the sun. It pays a meager stipend of $2.65 an hour. An exhausting display of patience is a must. She credits the...

acrylic engraved award
12.9.2018

UPO Earns National Award for Excellence

One of Only 12 Agencies to Ever Win this Best-in-Class Award WASHINGTON, DC:  The United Planning Organizationwas presented the Award for Excellence in Community Actionat the Community Action Partnership’s 2018...

9.8.2018

2018 National Night Out

Thank you! On behalf of UPO and WinnCompanies, we would like to thank you for participating, and supporting our 2018 National Night Out Event. National Night Out is designed to heighten...

inmates in orange jumpsuits fill out ballots at a voting center table inside of a local gymnasium
15.6.2018

D.C. jail inmates cast ballots for upcoming primary election

Wednesday, June 13, 2018 (Sam Ford/ABC7) Inmates at the D.C. jail participated in voting in the city’s primary election next week. Elections officials and poll watchers were present as approximately...

schoolchildren walk past the white house wearing UPO t-shirts and holding signs
15.6.2018

Walk for peace Thursday, June 21st from 11AM to 2PM

UPO, Hendley Elementary School, and the Safer, Stronger DC Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement plan to walk for peace Thursday, June 21stfrom 11AM to 2PM during our Safe Summer...

6.6.2018

A robotics team that is inspiring students to pursue a career in STEM

With a mission to help inspire students to pursue an education and careers in STEM, professor Ramona Hutchins and the United Planning Organization created the Robonauts robotics team. She is here along...

17.5.2018

Students return from robotics competition .

“A group of amazing kids in the district is fresh off a trip from a world championship competition.” Watch on NBC4

3.1.2018

UPO “works overtime to protect homeless people from the cold”

Reporter Mark Segraves wanted to spark awareness about the needs of homeless people. To start this heart-to-heart talk with the public, he interviewed UPO staffer Vincent “Bones” Blackson. For 16...

Ramella with text "hashtag I am u p o"
11.12.2017

Ramella – Joseph A. Beavers scholarship recipient

This is Ramella, a 2015 Joseph A. Beavers scholarship recipient. Annually, we award 5 ambitious, deserving D.C. high school students, $10,000 each to be applied towards their collegiate aspirational pursuits....

Vincent next to shelter hotline van and text "hashtag I am u p o"
11.12.2017

Vincent – Shelter Hotline Driver

“It means a lot because we help and give to the homeless. I’m truly dedicated to what we do. I know the cause we have is utterly necessary with the...

Lanique with text "hashtag I am u p o"
11.12.2017

Lanique – P.O.W.E.R. program

“UPO’s P.O.W.E.R. program means a lot to me. It broadens your horizons to new experiences. UPO teaches you that college is for everyone, regardless of your financial need, where you...

Sereeta with text "hashtag I am u p o"
11.12.2017

Sereeta – Culinary Arts Graduate

“UPO helped me to better formalize my resume. To be outspoken, confident within myself, being able to speak to any and everyone. It also helped me to finish my culinary...

Myra with text "hashtag I am u p o"
11.12.2017

Myra- UPO Volunteer

“My heart is service.” Myra is a proud UPO volunteer! She was born with a heart to serve. It’s in her blood. She watched her grandmother and aunt take care of...

Lynell with text "hashtag I am u p o"
11.12.2017

Lynell – Returning Citizen

“The first class treatment that UPO showed me was everything that I needed to know. The staff at UPO helps and receives you with open arms. You’ll swear that they’re...

Kelvin with text "hashtag I am u p o"
7.12.2017

Kelvin – Shelter Hotline Driver

“It means that I get the chance to be hands on with my community and help those less fortunate. To try to save lives out here in the cold weather...

LaQuita next to Marriott Marquis sign and text "hashtag I am u p o"
7.12.2017

LaQuita – Hospitality

“I would highly recommend UPO’s Hospitality program. I learned about every position in a hotel and it definitely helped in my interviews. This program really is six weeks to a...

women of color smiling and posing next to car hatchback full of bags containing turkeys
21.11.2017

UPO Partners with Islamic Relief USA to Provide Thanksgiving Meals

We distributed 300 turkeys and other food to low-income residents to help them celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday! Islamic Relief USA donated turkeys, and Capital Area Food Bank provided fresh produce....

Warren King receives an award from D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine
6.11.2017

P.O.W.E.R. Student Receives Award from D.C. Attorney General

D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine awarded Warren King, an eighth-grader at Johnson Middle School with a Right Direction Award. The award and ceremony are a time to honor DC youth...

black american men and women holding books
2.11.2017

UPO Recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month

At the beginning of 2017, UPO began to address concerns of domestic violence in the Washington Highlands community. Throughout the year, we have worked to provide awareness, education, training, and...

two black women at a volunteer table
25.10.2017

UPO Homeowner Resource Fair Assists Senior Homeowners in Southeast DC!

UPO Homeowner Resource Fair Assists Senior Homeowners in Southeast DC! UPO’s Housing Team hosted a Homeowner Resource Fair, targeted at seniors and older homeowners. Vendors gave five-minute presentations about programs...

upo logo
25.10.2017

UPO Helps Residents “Fall Into Employment” at Hiring Fair!

UPO’s Workforce Institute works to decrease the number of unemployed residents in the District of Columbia through job training and job placement. This October we helped prepare more than 200...

8.8.2017

On a bus for the homeless, humor and a human touch

“Orlando Gore is a one-man generator of small acts of kindness, driven by his own memories of tough times in his native North Carolina and his early years in Washington,...

Evan next to a sign that reads "CompTIA Authorized Academy"
16.9.2016

Evan – Cyber Security

“I now see my future in Networking instead of Cyber Security because of the multiple opportunities for growth! My life has changed and I’m in a better place overall to...

4.3.2016

UPO Foster Grandma Virginia McLaurin: At 106, she’s still dancing and serving her community

Part of what keeps Grandma Virginia young is working with her community’s youth. For 21 years, she’s helped children with severe disabilities learn skills. All of this comes through the...

14.10.2015

Kids find role models in UPO Foster Grandparents

In this Making a Difference report, NBC interviewer Chelsea Clinton visited a group of retirees—“foster grandparents”—who are aiding children in some of the nation’s toughest school districts. Watch on NBC Nightly News

6.10.2013

UPO Foster Grandparents at work with preschoolers

Data shows us that children who are touched by Foster Grandparents have a higher educational achievement level…and it’s not just kids who benefit: older Americans who volunteer report lower levels...