DHS Oversight Hearing Testimony
Cesar Toledo
Executive Director, Wanda Alston Foundation
February 26, 2026
Good afternoon, Councilmember Frumin and members of the DC Council. My name is Cesar Toledo, and I serve as Executive Director of the Wanda Alston Foundation, one of a few queer-led organizations in DC that provides gender-affirming housing and support services to LGBTQ+ youth.
Today, LGBTQ+ young people remain disproportionately impacted by homelessness in our city. About 40% of all homeless youth in DC identify as LGBTQ+, and last year’s Point-in-Time Count of homeless people saw a 9% increase of this vulnerable population. That’s why the Foundation’s mission is now more urgent than ever.
As one of the smallest housing providers in all of DC, the Foundation punches above its weight. Over the course of my short tenure, we have:
Raised nearly $300,000 in non-governmental support through grassroots donations and corporate partnerships - a major feat and unprecedented milestone.
Implemented new internal accounting procedures for submitting invoices to DHS and TCP, resulting in quick turnaround.
We’re especially thankful for DHS, as their invoice review process has accelerated significantly. Now, we receive payment within less than a month of submission!
Strengthened our programming with support and guidance from DHS and launched several youth-led initiatives grounded in a Choosen Family Support Model.
Taken steps to adopt the Daily Living Activities - 20 Clinical Assessment tool, with DHS support, to further enhance service delivery.
Restructured staffing, consultants, and online tools to reduce operational costs by over $90,000.
Invested directly in our workforce by providing 100% employer-covered health insurance, flexible unlimited PTO, and 20+ professional development trainings.
Attached to this testimony is a Housing Program Dashboard that outlines the demographics of the young people we serve and key program performance metrics.
I will be honest: when DHS initially mandated an Employment and Education Specialist position, I had concerns about sustainability and scope.
But instead of resisting, we leaned in.
We built something bigger and more holistic - a Workforce Navigation Center designed to close education and employment gaps. Thanks to a seed investment from the MSE Foundation through the Washington Capitals Pride Night Auction, we are launching this workforce initiative this week.
These efforts reflect our commitment to being a strong, transparent and accountable partner with DHS and TCP in delivering high-quality, culturally competent services to DC’s queer and trans young people.
And still, I know we can do more.
As a city that prides itself on being a national leader for LGBTQ+ residents, I ask the Council to grapple with these questions:
What will our District elected leaders do this year to reverse the rising trend of LGBTQ+ youth homelessness?
When the Continuum of Care pipeline for LGBTQ+ youth is nearly always at capacity, will District leaders step up to increase the number of beds and services?
What Continuum of Care data can be shared to transparently assess outcomes and equity for LGBTQ+ residents experiencing homelessness?
Our queer and trans youth cannot wait for another budget season. They need us to step up and do our part, especially now more than ever. Thank you for your time and for your allyship to our community.
Cesar Toledo
Executive Director
Wanda Alston Foundation
