Affordable Housing Network Newsletter: April 2023
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Dear John,
Fair Housing Month is a time to recognize the importance of equal access to housing for all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or any other protected characteristic. Prosperity Now and our Community are committed to promoting and supporting fair housing initiatives because we believe that everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home.
Unfortunately, the racial wealth homeownership gap remains a significant challenge in our country. According to the Prosperity Now Scorecard, the homeownership rate for Black households is only 44% compared to 72.6% for White households. This gap not only perpetuates economic inequality but also limits opportunities for wealth-building and intergenerational mobility.
To address this issue, Prosperity Now is proud to team up with leaders like you in our Affordable Housing Network and our broader community to support policies and programs that promote fair housing and provide resources and tools to help families achieve homeownership and build wealth, regardless of their race or ethnicity. Together, we can continue to work towards a society where everyone has equal access to safe, affordable, and quality housing.
Sincerely,
Dara Duratinsky
Director of Network Building
Prosperity Now
Apply to be a Prosperity Now Community Champion Today!
We are excited to announce that the application to become a Prosperity Now Community Champion is now open! Community Champions are committed to working together to advance systemic policy change, advancing racial and ethnic economic justice and have an active leadership and convening role in their state, local or native community. They also have the opportunity to network with peer organizations across the country; develop their leadership, coalition and organizational capacity; elevate their organizational profile; receive local, state and federal advocacy support from national experts and more. We encourage all interested organizations to learn more about the role and apply here. The deadline to apply is May 26, 2023. If you have any questions along the way, please reach out to LaToya Lowery. Let’s work together to build an economy that is just, fair and free from structural racism!
Protecting Stable Homeownership and Rental Housing in Michigan
"You need a stable home. You cannot be in fear that you will lose your home. This is crucial.”
To commemorate Fair Housing Month in April, Prosperity Now had the privilege of connecting with Laltsha Cunningham of Gesher Human Services. Laltsha, a member of the Affordable Housing Network Steering Committee, is a part of Gesher’s exceptional work in Michigan to create financial security and protect the stable homeownership and rental housing of underserved community members. Gesher serves the community through a variety of housing programs and has been able to expand their impact through partnerships with other nonprofits and community banks. Laltsha and the rest of the team are hopeful they will continue to have an immense impact on those they serve.
Resources and Publications
This Fair Housing Month (and All Year Round!) We Work for Housing Justice | Prosperity Now
Prosperity Now was thrilled to see a rededication to promoting equitable housing opportunities through the reintroduction of the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule and the team authored a comment letter in support of the proposed rule.
How racial bias in appraisals affects the devaluation of homes in majority-Black neighborhoods | Brookings
Homes in Black neighborhoods are undervalued at nearly 25% compared to what they would be in non-Black neighborhoods, a product of systemic racial bias.
The Latino Economic Development Center: Securing Stable Housing through Community Empowerment and Advocacy | Prosperity Now
In the Washington D.C. region and Puerto Rico, the Latino Economic Development Center is leading the stable housing advocacy charge for Latino and other underserved communities.
What Can Court Data Actually Tell Us About Evictions? | New America
As a product of the ongoing American housing crisis, millions of families face eviction each year; this report from New America uses court data to investigate how it can be used to prevent evictions in the future.
President’s Housing Proposals Are Both Practical and Progressive | Center on Budget on Budget and Policy Priorities
President Biden's fiscal year 2024 budget request shows that the administration is making a commitment to address the housing crisis.
Fair Housing Month Resources | U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
To commemorate the 55th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act (FHA), HUD put together this page with resources on FHA technical assistance, outreach, and more.
In the News
A Black couple in Ohio removed all evidence from their home that a Black family lived there to receive a higher appraisal, unfortunately they are not alone due to the existing racial appraisal gap.
Investors are monopolizing affordable housing: Here’s how we can stop them | The Hill
This opinion piece from the president of the National Community Stabilization Trust (NCST) proposes strategies to combat the problem of institutional investors who buy affordable housing and then lease them at high rents that disproportionately hurt Black and Brown renters.
How Hispanic homeownership became a 'driving force' shaping the housing market's future | USA Today
Latino individuals and families will continue to represent the largest number of new homebuyers in the United States moving forward, helping shape the housing market.
D.C. overpays landlords millions to house the city’s poorest | Washington Post
Findings show that the Washington D.C. Housing Authority (DCHA) severely overpays landlords who rent to housing choice voucher participants, a practice not in line with HUD rules and another example of the ongoing issues with DCHA.
Events and Opportunities
Virtual Event: DC HOMEBUYING ORIENTATION | Latino Economic Development Center | May 2, 2023
Webinar: Housing First Series | Urban Institute | May 15, 2023
National Fair Housing Alliance 2023 National Conference | Washington D.C. | July 16-18, 2023
