District of Columbia
Strong Families, Strong Futures DC (SFSF) is a publicly funded direct cash assistance program administered by Martha's Table in partnership with the D.C. Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED). Launched in 2022, the program has served expectant and new mothers living below 250% of the federal poverty level in Washington D.C.'s Wards 5, 7, and 8 — some of the District's most economically underserved communities. Participants receive monthly cash payments totaling $7,500 over the course of the program year, with no restrictions on how funds are used. Research from the program's first cohort found that participants primarily used funds for housing, food, and transportation, and over time increased their savings. In addition to direct cash, participants receive financial empowerment workshops through the Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking and Capital Area Asset Builders, as well as Martha's Table's wraparound services including early childhood education support, health and wellness programming, food, clothing, and community connection resources. The program is open to new and expectant mothers in targeted D.C. wards. For program inquiries contact sfsf@marthastable.org.