Legal Action Center’s Post

Housing insecurity feeds the cycle of the justice system—it's called the "homelessness-carceral cycle." Criminalizing people trying to sleep and shelter in public is not the answer, but we can leverage this moment of intersection to create positive change. Through collaboration and partnership, that same system connection can address the root issue and solve problems on both ends. Our recent joint report with the Housing Solutions Lab at New York University's Furman Center explores opportunities for cooperation between system actors and housing agencies to bridge gaps and reduce justice system involvement for the disadvantaged. Find its insights here: https://lnkd.in/e8Ukb5aG

All levels of housing are needed in rural and urban communities all across Kansas. The process of resolving that need is complex. The solution can only come from citizens becoming engaged in the process. There is so much to learn (acronyms for acronyms), but we all must recognize major problems require a major lift. I learned much from my first Kansas Housing Resource Corporation conference. Homework begins here: #KSHOUSING #FHRC

Earlier today, I was excited to join fellow classmates from cohorts 1 - 3 of the #EDAP at the Zone In Gallery downtown. As an emerging developer, community advocate, and attorney, I know these proposed changes are vital for streamlining the variance process and injecting much needed affordability into our housing market. #ZoningReform #AffordableHousing #CommunityDevelopment #RealEstate #EmergingDevelopers #EDAP3

Part 1: 7. Changing the Landscape “Changing the Landscape” is an inspiring story that unfolds in the heart of a city marked by its sharp contrasts between affluence and poverty, between towering corporate offices and neglected urban sprawl. The narrative focuses on a dynamic duo: Jordan, a tireless community activist, and Taylor, a lawyer specialized in social justice issues, who embark on a mission to challenge and transform the real estate industry from the ground up, advocating for policy changes to prevent exploitation and protect vulnerable communities. The Awakening Jordan witnesses firsthand the repercussions of predatory real estate practices when a close family friend is evicted from her long-time home due to skyrocketing rents, a consequence of aggressive gentrification. Meanwhile, Taylor encounters numerous legal cases where loopholes in property laws enable exploitation and abuse. Their shared outrage over these injustices ignites a partnership aimed at systemic change. Building the Movement Understanding that true change requires both grassroots support and legal reform, Jordan and Taylor launch a campaign to raise awareness about the exploitative practices plaguing their city. They organize community forums, create informative online content, and collaborate with local media to spotlight stories of those directly affected by unjust housing policies. The Strategy Their strategy involves drafting proposed legislation that would provide greater protections for tenants, ensure affordable housing quotas in new developments, and impose stricter penalties on landlords who exploit vulnerable renters. Taylor’s legal expertise complements Jordan’s community organizing skills, enabling them to craft policies that are both legally sound and deeply rooted in the community’s needs. Facing Opposition As their movement gains momentum, they encounter fierce opposition from powerful real estate developers and lobbyists who stand to lose the most from the proposed changes. Jordan and Taylor face personal and professional attacks aimed at discrediting their campaign, but they remain undeterred, their resolve only strengthened by the broadening support from the community and sympathetic political allies.

Is investing in reentry programs and services is a community issue? Investment from the community in programs and services that support individuals reentering society after being incarcerated is a significant concern for the community. By assisting those in the process of transitioning back into society, communities can reduce the likelihood of re-offending, enhance public safety, and create a more inclusive and supportive atmosphere for all residents. Take a few moments to read an article by Thrive Communities that discusses this very topic. Bridging the Gap: Addressing the Insufficient Funding and Assistance for Reentry Programs can be found on https://buff.ly/3W1tRdn.

Sharing: teaching 7 hrs. USPAP class and content is speaking about the fact appraisers have to be competent in what local fair housing laws and my local City of Binghamton is looking to expand homeless as a protect class. Appraiser's your Ethics Rule has expanded, stay on top of fair housing laws.

Thanks to the CHATTANOOGAN.COM for helping spread the word about the incredible return on investment, not to mention the lives changed, through the Chattanooga Eviction Prevention Initiative. A recent report conducted by Stout Risius Ross, LLC. and funded by the Maclellan Foundation indicates the general public could see economic benefits of $4.84 for every dollar spent on eviction prevention. According to the report: “With an annual investment of approximately $640,000 in an eviction access to counsel program, Chattanooga and Hamilton County may recognize economic benefits of at least an estimated $3.1 million. For every dollar the city or county invests in providing free representation to eligible tenants through an eviction access to counsel program, the city or county may reduce social safety net responses to disruptive displacement or realize economic benefits of at least $4.84.” We encourage you to read the entire release. None of this would be possible without the many partners and funders collaborating to make the Eviction Prevention Initiative a life-changing endeavor and a benefit to the entire community: City of Chattanooga, Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, Habitat For Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area, the CHATTANOOGA REGIONAL HOMELESS COALITION, Smartt Strategies, and Emily O'Donnell Law. https://lnkd.in/eUmgH5ye

Making Housing a Human Right in California: A Townhall // Hacer Vivienda Como un Derecho Humano en California: Un Foro Advocates, experts, and organizers from across the state of California hosted a town hall on efforts to guarantee the right to housing in California's constitution. Panelists explores how international human rights principles can inform housing justice efforts in California, how a human rights framework applies to housing policy at the state and local levels, as well as the status of ACA 10 — a bill that would enshrine a human right to housing in the state constitution. Watch the recording to learn more about what a right to housing means, why it matters, and how international human rights principles apply to work to advance housing justice in California. Speakers Leilani Farha, Former United Nations Rapporteur Matt Haney, California Assemblymember Rasheedah Phillips, Housing Director at PolicyLink Professor Farrah Hassen, Cal Poly Pomona Event sponsored by: UCLA’s Promise Institute on Human Rights, Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE), Housing Now!, ACLU California Action, PolicyLink, National Homelessness Law Center, Power CA Action, Housing is a Human Right, Courage Campaign, and Western Center on Law and Poverty.

We did it. Massachusetts State Senate passed a $5.4 billion dollar Housing Bond Bill late last night. As our Housing Chair I was honored to meet with all of my colleagues and learn from them and help negotiate and shepard this bill to final passage. Imagine being trusted with the Commonwealth's largest housing bond bill, after being a senator for just 2.5 years!! Along with $2 billion dollars for public housing, $50 millon for rural communities, $50 million for seasonal communities, We passed -Incusionary Zoning -Accesory Dwelling Units as of right -Eviction Record Sealing -Foreclosure Mediation -Wage Theft protections -Broker Fee Restrictions -Seasonal Community Protections -Rural Community Protections -Fair Housing Office to end racial segregation in housing -Crumbling Homes Protection (pyrrhotite) -Community Land Trust funding -Senior Housing Commission -Commission on land and economic democracy -Commission on Disability and Housing and so much more! While we didn't get everything we did set off on a generational course correction in housing policy P.S. this was a unanimous bipartisan passage On to conference...

🚨 🚨 🚨 NEW PARTNER ALERT 🚨 🚨 🚨 At Open Horizon we believe in establishing relationship built on trust and understanding and we do our best to stand behind leaders that exemplify core values aligned with our own. When VAUGHN PERRY took a position with Douglass Community Land Trust we knew that wanted to continue to support his work because we believe in him and his leadership. Through Vaughn, we have been able to learn more about the valuable work of the Douglass Community Land Trust and are grateful to have them join the OH Family! Douglass Community Land Trust is rooted in the racial justice origins of the CLT movement in the US and operates as a membership-controlled, independent organization. Focused on racial and economic equity, Douglass CLT aims to prevent displacement, create community-held assets, and build assets for individuals and families, ensuring community decision-making. Its goal is to make DC equitable, particularly for low-income Black and brown residents who have helped build the community but haven't benefited proportionately from its prosperity. Douglass CLT achieves this by securing lasting affordability for housing and local small businesses through community land ownership and stewardship. Learn more about them here: https://douglassclt.org/ Thank you @Douglass Community Land Trust for the work you do to ensure generation wealth can be generated for low-income Black and brown residents in DC. #RacialJustice #EconomicEquity #CommunityLandTrust #MembershipControlled #PreventDisplacement #CommunityAssets #AffordableHousing #LocalBusinessSupport #CommunityOwnership #InclusiveDC #BlackAndBrownCommunities #EquitableDevelopment #CommunityStewardship #LastingAffordability