Impact Justice’s Post

An article published by Vox discusses the potential for the faith-based development movement to help address the nation’s affordable housing and homelessness crises. The article highlights the work of YIGBY, or Yes in God’s Backyard, a San Diego-based organization that works with faith-based groups to develop affordable housing on their unused or underutilized land. The movement has gained traction across the country as more faith-based leaders have begun to see the benefits of this type of development for their communities and their bottom line, and more policymakers realize its capacity to help tackle the housing crisis. The article points to several pieces of state, local, and federal legislation that have been passed or introduced to expand and ease faith-based development, including California’s Affordable Housing on Faith Lands Act, which streamlines the approval for new projects on church land, and Senator Sherrod Brown’s (D-OH) Yes In God’s Back Yard Act, which was recently introduced in Congress. For related content, visit the webpage for Enterprise’s Faith-Based Development Initiative (FBDI), which provides houses of worship with the knowledge and tools needed to develop their underutilized land into affordable housing. https://lnkd.in/gPVRmR2N

The promise of cash vouchers for housing beckons like a mirage, offering hope but ultimately leaving vulnerable individuals in crisis. Through my experiences, I've seen the devastating impact of underfunded voucher programs, which leave families stranded on waitlists or struggling to access limited resources. Even when vouchers are obtained, landlords often hesitate due to cumbersome bureaucracy, leaving tenants to face unmanageable rent burdens and the constant threat of displacement. We need to dispel the notion that cash vouchers are a panacea for housing affordability and homelessness. Instead, we need to acknowledge the complex issues perpetuating inequality and housing insecurity, including poverty, inadequate affordable housing supply, and systemic inequalities. It's time to invest in multifaceted solutions that address these challenges directly. This requires a range of strategies, including affordable housing development and preservation, rent control and tenant protection policies, social services and support programs for low-income families, and community land trusts and cooperative housing models. We must also confront discrimination in housing and lending practices, increase funding for housing programs and social services, and implement inclusive zoning and community development initiatives. Additionally, legal representation for tenants facing eviction, community engagement and participation in housing decisions, and collaboration between government, non-profits, and private sector entities are essential. If we work together, we can create a future where affordable housing, social justice, and community well-being are fundamental human rights. Let's move beyond the limitations of this cash voucher idea. 😒

Absolutely top notch piece of investigative journalism for a read on Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) News this morning. The juncture between #climaterisk and communities of urban (or in this case peri-urban) poor is often emphasised elsewhere but rarely put at the fore in Australia. As we shift into an El Niño summer, the juncture of the #housingcrisis and the #climatecrisis should be a number 1 priority for governments & policy makers. https://lnkd.in/gezu8i9U #cop28

"It’s time to go on the offensive. Instead of trying to ignore prominent reactionaries, advocates for unhoused people should...write reports, op-eds & blog posts that fact-check them. Make sure journalists who cover this issue are aware of every falsehood." *How* we go on offense matters. It's tempting to repeat untruths to debunk them, but this can cement them as familiar and true. Instead, lead with the truth and let that be the thing that sticks. Learn more on our blog: https://lnkd.in/guDPCBiW

This powerful article exposes how crucial voices are being stifled. From the widening wealth gap to the chilling effects of silence, it's time to break free from the shackles of funding-driven suppression: https://lnkd.in/eTE_ddsD

Here are 3 reasons to share a message via our Sparking joy project: 1️⃣ 41% of older people live alone in Islington, and 34% of Islington’s over-60 population live in income-deprived households. Poverty and low income have both been found to increase the risk of loneliness and social isolation. Your message of kindness and hope could positively impact a neighbour who might be facing a difficult time. 2️⃣ Hearing positive and affirming words can validate a person’s worth, contributions, feelings, and individuality. It reminds them that they are noticed and valued and can build a person’s self-worth and confidence. 3️⃣ Sharing a message is quick and simple - with two minutes or less of your time, your positive words could make a real difference to someone in need. Feeling inspired? ✨💌💡 🔗 https://loom.ly/pBv0FGo 📷 Image: Claremont, Islington #SparkJoy #SparkingJoy #SpreadJoy #ShareAMessage #Islington

What is it about this topic that gets so many people paying attention? It is fascinating to think that these points are nearly universal across our communities and our experiences. Is it about taking control back into our neighborhoods? Is it about the knowledge we want to bring back to our residents. What do you think? (In case you missed the piece, check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gBSATDx)

When we talk about narrative at the Housing Narrative Lab, we talk about more than messaging, media relations and content creation. All of those are important, yes, AND you know what else is important? How we talk to our family, friends and neighbors about housing insecurity and homelessness. EACH of us, no matter who we are or the role we have in the housing space, can be part of shifting narratives about people who are unhoused. Every day is an opportunity to change the narrative through small, personal interactions. Our narrative specialist Grover Wehman-Brown breaks it down for you here: https://lnkd.in/eRaTnDxY. Complete with tips on how you can approach uncomfortable conversations.

It simple. Good neighbors attract good neighbors and make great neighborhoods. How can you help your residents practice the five pillars of the good neighbor mindset (connection, invitation, celebration, awareness, and availability) today? #communitydevelopment #nationalgoodneighborday

COMMUNITY: The foundation of prosperous, sustainable neighborhoods is community. Communities are more than just buildings; they give their citizens a feeling of support, protection, and belonging. They offer opportunities for interpersonal communication, teamwork, and shared experiences that improve lives and forge enduring relationships. In today's fast-paced world, where digital connections often overshadow face-to-face interactions, the role of community in housing developments becomes even more paramount. It serves as a counterbalance to the isolation and detachment that can pervade life as we know it, offering residents a vital sense of connection to something larger than themselves.