Affordable Housing Network Newsletter: June 2023
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The Affordable Housing Network Continues the Fight for Fair and Equitable Housing
This year commemorates the 55th anniversary of the 1968 Fair Housing Act. Signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson, the Fair Housing Act had two main objectives: 1) outlaw individual acts of housing discrimination and 2) foster integration. Despite this legislative effort, some estimates suggest more than 4 million instances of housing discrimination happen every year, with most going unreported. Being denied equal access to housing fuels unequal living standards, poverty, housing instability and more. Read more here.
While the United States celebrates Fair Housing Month every April (and National Homeownership Month in June), the fight for Fair Housing is one we must take up year-round. With that in mind, the Affordable Housing Network and the Black Wealth Data Center hosted a webinar last month to discuss the state of housing disparities in the U.S. and what more can be done to ensure fair housing and lending across the country. Check out the recording of the webinar here and below.
Take Action: Sign On to Support Fair Lending and Fair Housing
Prosperity Now is proud to respond to the Federal Housing Finance Agency's proposed rule on Fair Lending, Fair Housing, and Equitable Housing Finance Plans. The proposed rule would largely codify existing oversight practices and will help ensure regulated agencies like Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks are dutifully serving low-income communities of color. We've drafted a letter in response to the FHFA proposed rule offering feedback on key questions and providing general comments on the issues at hand. We invite your organization to sign on and show your support! Click here to read the letter and sign on by June 21st at 5 pm ET. Please only sign if you're authorized to act on behalf of your organization.
Resources and Publications
How To Lead With Your Values When Talking About Financial Well-Being | Prosperity Now
Prosperity Now has provided guidance on how advocates within the economic justice movement can connect with decision-makers and other key stakeholders by identifying the underlying "why" and leading with core values.
Housing and Climate Change in the United States | New America
This report from New America outlines the relationship between climate change and housing security and how it impacts those who move, those who stay and those who receive new residents due to climate-related migration.
Advancing the Promise of Shared Equity Housing Models | NeighborWorks America
NeighborWorks American explains how shared equity housing creates sustained affordability, builds wealth for low-income people and builds inclusive communities.
The Bad Housing Blues: Discrimination in the Housing Choice Voucher Program in Memphis, TN | National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA)
NFHA and the Legal Defense Fund investigated the Section 8 program in Memphis, TN, including performing a fair housing testing audit of housing providers to assess practices that restrict voucher holders from securing safe and affordable housing.
Improving Eviction Data | New America
New America explains that there is a lack of quality and accessible data on U.S. evictions and provides suggestions from housing, data, innovation experts and municipal leaders for improving data gaps.
Housing For: Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders | National League of Cities
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) are one of the fastest-growing racial groups in the U.S. and to effectively support AAPI renters and homeowners, National League of Cities urges local leaders to recognize diversity within the AAPI community to shape policies and programs to alleviate their housing challenges.
In the News
To address the national housing crisis, we must confront exclusionary zoning | The Hill
This Op-Ed by Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.), urges policymakers to confront exclusionary zoning practices that limit housing opportunities for low-income people and is essentially racial segregation.
Black Americans continue to lag behind in homeownership | The Meadville Tribune
While Black homeownership rates grew half a percent during the past decade to 44%, Black homeownership still lags behind that for Hispanics, Asian American and white homebuyers.
Homeownership rate hit lowest level in decades in 2020: Census | The Hill
According to Census Bureau data released last month, the U.S. homeownership rate hit its lowest level in five decades in 2020, falling from 65 to 63%.
Mayor Michelle Wu Announces 75 Families Are New Homeowners With Support From The City | City of Boston
With a combination of discounted interest rates and enhanced down-payment and closing cost assistance made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced that the City has assisted 75 families to become homeowners.
Latinos Emerging As Fast-Growing Segment Of American Homeownership | RisMedia
According to the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, Latino homeownership rates have been steadily increasing over the past 8 years, reaching nearly 50% in 2022.
Events and Opportunities
National Fair Housing Alliance 2023 National Conference | Washington D.C. | July 16-18, 2023
