The 2018 Our Homes, Our Voices National Affordable Housing Week of Action has generated more than 100 events throughout the country. Thank you to all who have participated. Here are just a few of the events that occurred yesterday, May 3:
Housing Works Rhode Island hosted an event to recognize U.S. Senator Jack Reed for his leadership in helping to create the national Housing Trust Fund (HTF). NLIHC President and CEO Diane Yentel was present to express the gratitude of the Coalition and its members and to emphasize that much more must be done to end homelessness and housing poverty in America.
The Housing Alliance of Delaware held their Annual Day of Housing at the State Capitol. More than 100 attendees were present, including State Representatives Kevin Hensley, Joe Miro and Paul Baumbach. Delaware State Housing Authority Director Anas Ben Addi discussed the governor’s recommendation for a $2 million bond bill to make strong housing investments in local Delaware communities.
The Southern California Association for Nonprofit Housing, Enterprise Community Partners, LA Voice, Uplift Inglewood, and the Social Justice Learning Institute hosted a panel discussion and conversation with local community leaders and State Senator Steven Bradford. Attendees learned how local and federal policy efforts would impact Inglewood and the surrounding community. Attendees were encouraged to take action to ensure Inglewood stays affordable for all its residents.
The Home is the Foundation (HIT Foundation), along with the Preble County Mental Health and Recovery Board, the Preble County Family and Children First Council, and the YWCA Dayton-Preble County Office, hosted a panel discussion on affordable housing in Preble County, Ohio. Federal, state and local government officials, as well as local advocates and consumers, participated in the discussion.
The New York Housing Conference and Red Hook Initiative hosted a Raise Your Voice community BBQ to give public housing and HUD–assisted residents the opportunity to tell Congress and the administration how important HUD funding is.
Here are some of the Our Homes, Our Voices events taking place today, May 4:
Fairbanks, AK: The Fairbanks Housing & Homeless Coalition (FHHC) will host a community conversation about homelessness and social services in Interior Alaska. The discussion will consist of a brief overview of the statistical analysis of housing/ homelessness in and around Fairbanks, followed by testimony from various agencies about their programs and by clients that have used the programs. Learn more here.
Phoenix, AZ: The Arizona Housing Coalition will encourage members to write to their legislators at a Dear Congress Letter Writing Party.
Palm Springs, CA: The Coachella Valley Housing Coalition will host a Rally for Affordable Homes, preceded by a tour of several affordable developments in the West Coachella Valley.
West Palm Beach, FL: The Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County is revamping their Real Change Meters Program and will organize volunteers around service to strengthen the program and its fundraising efforts.
Frankfort, KY: The Homeless and Housing Coalition of Kentucky will host a nonpartisan voter registration drive. To learn more, click here.
Maryland: Homes for America will host voter registration events in 48 residential communities across Maryland.
Boston, MA: MassADAPT will host an action at HUD’s Boston office to call for addressing the need for accessible, affordable housing for all persons with disabilities.
Kansas City, MO: Empower Missouri is hosting a First Friday Forum on Tax Increment Financing, a tool that the city can use to encourage development. There will be a panel discussion featuring Councilwoman Alissia Canady and local community members. Find more information here.
St. Louis, MO: The Salvation Army Midland Division will host seniors living in affordable homes at the Salvation Army’s Booth Manor Apartments for a letter-writing event calling for greater investments in affordable housing.
Santa Fe, NM: The New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness will lead a Gathering for Action at the Village Sage Apartments in Santa Fe to showcase an example of mixed income affordable housing that incorporates housing for formerly homeless people in a high-quality, mixed-income apartment community.
Nashville, TN: Parthenon Towers Resident Council will host a “Know Your Rights” Training and NLIHC recruitment event.
San Juan, TX: Texas Housers will host a statewide postcard-writing effort. Hosts will help participants share their message with members of Congress on the importance of affordable housing.
Bellingham, WA: Resident Action Project (RAP) leaders will register voters in front of the federal courthouse in downtown Bellingham.
Centralia, WA: Resident Action Project (RAP) leaders will host a voter-registration drive.
Keep utilizing social media to get the word out about events you are attending or hosting. If using Twitter, remember to use #OurHomesOurVoices and @OurHomesVoices at your events! If posting on Facebook, remember to use #OurHomesOurVoices.
Planning an event that’s not listed? Reach out to us at: ourhomes@nlihc.org and we’ll add your event to the Our Homes, Our Voices website.