It is the opening track and second single from her ninth studio album, The Hope Six Demolition Project, and was released digitally on 11 March 2016 and physically on 16 April 2016 on Island Records.

[3] The song developed from PJ Harvey's poem "Sight-Seeing, South of the River",[4] published in her 2015 poetry book The Hollow of the Hand.

Upon its release, "The Community of Hope" drew criticism from people unaware that some of her lyrics were direct quotes from Schwartzman and intended to portray popular attitudes about the city.

It was commented upon by politicians running for the council seat in Ward 7 in the District of Columbia, with former DC Mayor Vincent C. Gray saying, "I will not dignify this inane composition with a response," and his campaign treasurer Chuck Thies insulting Harvey with, "PJ Harvey is to music what Piers Morgan is to cable news.

"[10] Grant Thompson, a pastor and former Congressional staffer running for the Ward 7 council seat, stated that Harvey "needs to see more of the city.