Transformative Efforts
Long-Term Housing Transformative Efforts
As we imagine a new way of distributing housing resources in this country, we must push for true transformation, and demand housing as a right for all.
Transformative Efforts Needed for Long-Term Housing Rooted in Justice:
Direct cash transfer with no conditions to young people experiencing homelessness, coupled with optional housing navigation assistance, to locate safe, accessible, and affordable long-term housing of their choice.
A full-scale federal investment in the rehabilitation and production of affordable and accessible housing units and homes that meet the housing demands of the affordable housing crisis around the country; starting in historical marginalized communities in order to re-distribute wealth and opportunity to Black, Brown, and Indigenous people who have had generations of stolen wealth and opportunity due to structural racism.
Strategies should include:
Production of new accessible affordable housing across the country that is dedicated to youth and young adults, particularly Black, Brown, Indigenous, and Queer youth, and is owned and operated by local jurisdictions, including housing authorities and community-based organizations, in order to remove private landlords from the system.
Rehabilitation of vacant homes and properties, particularly in Black and Brown neighborhoods, and transfer of ownership of homes to individuals and families.
Rehabilitation of rental units that are not up to housing code and transfer of ownership to tenant groups, local jurisdictions, housing authorities, and/or community-based organizations to remove private landlords.
Homeownership supports that ensure young people, particularly Black, Brown, Indigenous, and LGBTQ have access to the financing and subsidies to purchase homes and/or their rental unit and build back generational wealth stolen through generations of racist housing policies.
A dedicated housing voucher program for youth and young adults that is not restricted by eligibility or prioritization requirements, can be used in any jurisdiction, and does not have time-limits or income requirements or restrictions; can be flexibly used to support housing of a youth’s choice including with friends, family, roommates, and rented rooms in shared housing; and available on-demand for any young person in need of long-term housing.
Laws that allow for youth under the age of 18 to live independently in housing of their choice and the legal support to access their right. Law changes and legal support include pathways to emancipation, the right to consent to housing and services, and the right to rent in the private and public housing market.
Comprehensive income discrimination protections with funded enforcement measures that include legal supports for youth to ensure that no landlord can refuse housing based on the source of a youth’s income.
A Federal Bad Landlord Enforcement Program that includes comprehensive enforcement of building code and anti-discrimination policies and a pathway to tenant ownership of buildings with chronic code or landlord discrimination violations.
Re-creation of federal, state, and local funding regulations to ensure that funds can be used flexibly to support the full spectrum of housing options described in the Housing Justice Pillar. The re-creation is centered on ensuring quick and flexible access to funds without overburdening individuals or families trying to access the funding or organizations trying to administer the funds. The re-creation also ensures that the rights of those trying to access the funds are protected and that the funds are being used in the best interest of those they are meant to serve.
Re-creation of local land use and zoning regulations to address the systemic racism throughout the regulations and laws and ensure Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities have access to buy, build, and develop land in their communities and throughout the country.