The Committee on Human Services of the District of Columbia convened on June 12, 2025, to conduct a budget oversight hearing focused on housing support programs and their scalability. Chairperson Matthew Frumin led the discussions, which centered on the effectiveness and administrative challenges of current initiatives, particularly the DC Flex program and the Career Map initiative.

The meeting began with a review of the DC Flex program, which allows participants to use funds to pay rent to family members. It was noted that the program could provide up to $8,400 annually per beneficiary, with a significant portion of the budget allocated to administrative costs. The committee explored the potential for scaling this program, with Frumin emphasizing the importance of flexibility in housing support.

Frumin raised questions about the Career Map program, which has shown promise but is currently not accepting new participants. He inquired about the reasons for this limitation, suggesting that the program's administrative burden and the need for more data on long-term outcomes might be factors. The response indicated that while the program is expensive, it is still under evaluation, and there is a cautious approach to scaling it up without sufficient data.

The discussion also touched on the costs associated with benefits cliffs, which can trap families in cycles of poverty. Frumin expressed concern over the implications of these cliffs and the need for a thorough analysis of the additional costs incurred by programs that offer protections against them. The committee acknowledged that more data would be necessary before making decisions on expanding these programs.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the committee's commitment to evaluating the effectiveness of housing support initiatives while balancing the need for fiscal responsibility. Chairperson Frumin indicated that further discussions would be necessary in future oversight sessions to assess the progress and potential scaling of these programs. The committee plans to gather more data and insights before making any recommendations for the upcoming fiscal year.