Shelterforce

Announcing Shelterforce's new Under the Lens Series—Dual Crises: Housing in a Changing Climate 🔍 In an era of rapid #climatechange, the #housing sector faces unprecedented challenges. How do we ensure safe, affordable housing in a world of rising seas, extreme heat, and intensifying natural disasters? Our new series delves into this critical intersection of climate and housing. We'll explore: • New funding for the field from the Inflation Reduction Act (#IRA) • Communities struggling to rebuild after wildfire • Managed retreat as a strategy to limit flood damage • What makes green building • ... And more! View the series 👉 : https://lnkd.in/ePUHsC8f Through in-depth reporting and analysis, we'll uncover the complexities of these dual crises and spotlight the changemakers working towards solutions. Follow along as we release new articles over the next few weeks. #UndertheLens #ClimateAction #HousingJustice #SustainableDevelopment

Over a decade ago, Ecuador launched an ambitious climate relocation program, moving vulnerable families into a new development. But poor coordination between the city and federal government has left 37 households unable to legally own their homes, despite their paying taxes for years. "The authorities should honor their word...but we are forgotten," says resident Maria Zambrano. Read more: https://bit.ly/3MgDBMu #EcuadorClimateRelocation #ClimateAction #ClimatePolicy

Of the handful of resident-led organizations that took ownership of their affordable properties, Park Village Apartments may be one of only a few still operating in their original form. But more than three decades after the contract of sale was signed, HUD hasn't formally approved the residents’ full ownership of the apartment complex. Shelterforce takes a closer look at the situation: https://bit.ly/3XcAb3x #CommunityOwnership #TenantRights #AffordableHousing

In these times, when comprehensive storytelling is more critical than ever, Shelterforce remains at the forefront of covering the progressive movements and advocacy used to fight for housing justice. We pride ourselves on delivering in-depth news straight to your inbox, but we need your support to continue this essential work. To innovate and expand our content, we must invest in greater staff capacity—bringing on more talented writers and experts to cover every angle of affordable housing. Consider making a one-time or monthly #donation to support our mission, and invite a friend to join you. Together, we can push towards a future where everyone has a place to call home. Donate today: https://lnkd.in/exQW2E43 #AffordableHousing #SupportJournalism #NonprofitNews

In her latest investigation, Shelby R. King exposes the deep cracks in our disaster response systems that leave the most marginalized communities behind. Mobile home residents, often low-income, are the least likely to be able to rebuild after catastrophic events like the Almeda and Marshall Fires—they often lack insurance and face barriers accessing aid. These crises only compound the pre-existing challenges that vulnerable populations grapple with. Read the full story: https://bit.ly/3WY26TF #DisasterResponse #MobileHomeResidents #ClimateJustice

This week, Alan Mallach from the Center for Community Progress shares insights on the impacts of Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (#HOLC) redlining maps. Did these maps play a significant role in shaping today's neighborhoods? Plus, Shelterforce Associate Editor Lara Heard contributes to our #DualCrises climate change and housing series with two pieces: one featuring Houston's CEER (Coalition for Environment, Equity and Resilience) and their efforts in community-driven climate advocacy, and another analyzing the latest developments on the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. Learn how the affordable housing sector can leverage these funding opportunities and explore the concerns about the fund's rollout. Also, check out events, job listings, and more in this edition of #ShelterforceWeekly. What stood out to you this week? Share your thoughts with us! 💡

In 1993, HUD officials hailed the residents of Park Village Apartments as the "ultimate in tenant empowerment" when they took control of the rundown complex. But 31 years later, HUD hasn't yet approved full ownership of the property they've poured their hearts into transforming. What can we learn from their perseverance in the face of bureaucratic obstacles? https://bit.ly/3XcAb3x #TenantEmpowerment #CommunityOwnership #AffordableHousing

The financial and social costs of rebuilding after disaster are staggering. With climate change driving more frequent and severe natural disasters, the repair loop—where homes are repeatedly damaged and rebuilt—places an enormous strain on taxpayers and government resources. The current approach to managing climate impacts is proving unsustainable. Managed retreat, involving proactive buyouts and relocating residents from high-risk areas, could be a more effective solution. How can federal and local governments work together to accelerate buyout programs? What would a national managed retreat strategy look like? Dive into the full discussion in our latest article, written by experts from New America and part of our Under the Lens Series, #DualCrises. Share your perspectives on how we can tackle this critical challenge. https://bit.ly/4dlhuQN #ClimateChange #DisasterRecovery #ManagedRetreat

Against all odds, a group of Cambodian refugees revived a crumbling apartment complex in Stockton, CA and turned it into a thriving community hub. But over 30 years later, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development STILL hasn't granted them full legal ownership of the complex. Read the full story: https://bit.ly/3XcAb3x #AffordableHousing #CommunityDevelopment #HUD

Just before Thanksgiving 2023, Katelyn Crandall and Quinn Knight found themselves in a freezing upstate New York home with a broken boiler and a landlord who was slow to respond. After weeks of waiting, they were given three options, none of which provided immediate relief. With temperatures dropping, the couple faced a winter relying on space heaters, struggling to keep their pets warm, and watching their energy bills skyrocket. Thanks to New York’s new Tenant Dignity and Safe Housing Act (#TDSHA), they took legal action and secured a court order for repairs and financial compensation. But the process wasn’t easy, even with the law on their side. Could this new law become a model for tenant protections in other states? How might it change the landscape of housing rights across the country? Our latest article delves into the story and explores the broader implications. Read more: https://bit.ly/4dk7S95 #SafeHousingAct #UpstateNY #TenantRights