The current health and economic crisis has exacerbated the housing crisis and elevated the importance of housing – for our health, education, and workforce. 

Our VoicesDMV Community Insights survey found that, even before COVID-19, 17% of Black households in our region were worried about paying rent or mortgage - compared to fewer than 3% of white households. Now, we know that over 70,000 renters in DC reported missing July rent or mortgage payment or have slight or no confidence that their household can pay next month’s rent or mortgage on time. A recent study also estimated that we could see a 40-45% increase in homelessness this year in the U.S.

How can we use this time to push for racial and housing justice? This event brings together local advocates and national experts to discuss what housing justice looks like and how we can all be a part of creating a more just and equitable region and nation.

Speakers:

• Parisa Norouzi, Executive Director, Empower DC

• Susan K. Thomas, President, The Melville Charitable Trust 

• Robert Warren, Founder, People for Fairness Coalition

• Tonia Wellons, President & CEO of The Community Foundation

This event is part of The Community Foundation’s Social Justice Town Hall series. The series will provide a forum for the community to learn more about the issues impacting our region and to start developing solutions to rebuild more equitable communities where everyone can thrive.

The series will culminate in an opportunity for our entire region to come together for On the Table Conversations to consider how these issues impact our families and communities. The Community Foundation will then fund Community Action Awards to help transform ideas sparked during these conversations into action–committing at least $100,000 for community organizing, action, and social justice projects that can be implemented individually or collectively.