"Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history."
– Carter G. Woodson

Dear Friends, Partners, and Allies,

February is Black History Month. While we celebrate the significant achievements and stories of Black Americans, we should also pause and reflect on where we are, as a nation and as a state, in our efforts to realize racial justice. Within the housing system, we still see historic and ongoing displacement, exclusion, and segregation preventing people of color from obtaining and retaining their own homes and accessing stable, affordable housing in thriving communities.

As we remember how Blacks and all people of color have played a crucial role in building our country, we must continue to actively press for equity and inclusion within our systems and institutions. The best way to honor their contributions is to continue to break down artificial barriers so everyone has free and open access to pathways leading to stability, success, and prosperity. At Housing California, we know this journey starts with a place to call home.

That’s why Housing California and California Housing Partnership recently shared a sneak peek of the Roadmap HOME 2030 when we released our bold 10-year vision, 4 audacious goals, 5-pronged transformative, equity-centered framework with an initial package of 12 policy priorities for 2021 — to begin California’s journey together to advance racial justice, end homelessness, and create stable, affordable homes for all. Starting now, the Roadmap HOME will shape the way Housing California advances our work — from our Annual Conference and Lobby Day to our partnerships and policy agenda. Because we know that it takes a coordinated, all-in approach to shape a new narrative and shift and build power to create the systems changes and structural reforms our state needs to realize the true California Dream

Working with RUN leaders, legislative champions, and state and national partners, we are advancing solutions that reflect the vision of the Roadmap HOME — closing racial equity gaps and creating homes, health, and prosperity for all. For example, Assembly Bill 71 would create an ongoing source of more than $2 billion a year to end the cycle of homelessness for thousands of Californians by closing corporate tax loopholes. Assembly Bill 328 would shift cost savings from prison closures to affordable homes for formerly incarcerated Californians — rebuilding lives and communities.

By pushing for game-changing policies, we can create a state where racial, economic, social and housing justice become the norm and not the aspiration. Now I invite you to join us by reading more about these and other initiatives below and how you can take action today.

In solidarity, strength, and gratitude,

Lisa Hershey
Executive Director

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Joining the Movement

As we launch into the new year and a better future for us all, we ask you to consider making a donation or joining as a member to help us meet the monumental tasks in front of us. With your support, Housing California can do more to advance racial justice and create homes, health, and prosperity for all Californians. 

Roadmap HOME 2030 announces its 2021 Priorities

"Small solutions don't solve big problems. As Senate Housing Committee Chair, I've prioritized big and bold ideas to solve our housing problems that match the scale of the crisis. While we have taken important strides these past few years, it's clear to me that it's time we had a long-term comprehensive plan like the Roadmap HOME."

-Sen. Scott Wiener

COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout in Homelessness Response Systems

Join the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for a webinar on February 9, 2021 about the COVID-19 vaccine plan for Homelessness Response Systems. The webinar will feature presenters from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HCD, the Homeless Coordinating and Financing Council, HUD Technical Assistance staff, and guests from a highlighted California community.

RUN Leaders Participate in Narrative Fellowship Program

Building Power in the Building: Our First Virtual Lobby Day

Everyone who attends will need to first register through this link and then get trained. RUN members should attend a series of three training sessions on Feb. 10, 17, and 24 (in Spanish on Feb. 18). 

If you work in the field of affordable housing and homelessness and would like to join RUN members in lobby visits, please register here and then plan to attend our Ally Training on March 4 from 10:00am -11:30am.

Progress at the RUN Summit

In December, 70 RUN leaders and organizers gathered for a two-day virtual Summit to finish the “There Ought To Be A Law” process and decide on RUN’s priorities for 2021. In small groups, leaders discussed 15 issues that had come out of the brainstorming process, debating which were most urgent and most feasible in breakout rooms. The list was narrowed down to the following priorities:

• Tax corporations to fund affordable and permanent supportive housing through Bring CA Home (AB 71)
• Extend COVID eviction protections and provide debt relief for tenants who could not pay rent because of COVID
• Move money from prisons to affordable housing (AB 328)
• Tenant / Community Opportunity to Purchase, also known as TOPA/COPA

All four of RUN’s priorities are reflected in the Roadmap HOME’s package of 2021 policy priorities.

At the State Level
Check our policy agenda for updates. 

Housing Support and Services for Formerly Incarcerated Californians

In California, formerly incarcerated people, who are disproportionately Black and brown, are 27 times more likely to be unstably housed or homeless than the general public. Upon release, many former inmates still lack stable housing and have no access to employment, education, and services needed to forge a new life for themselves. Now, as the State proceeds to close prisons, it is slated to save hundreds of millions of dollars every year. Last week, Assemblymember David Chiu introduced Assembly Bill 328, which would use a portion of these savings to provide housing and services to formerly incarcerated people experiencing homelessness -- the kind of bold solutions the Roadmap HOME 2030 envisions. By shifting resources from mass incarceration to affordable housing opportunities, we can advance racial equity and unlock a meaningful chance for people reentering society -- and the communities that welcome them home -- to thrive. Stay tuned to learn how you can help urge legislators to support this critical bill.  Assemblymember Chiu breaks down how AB 328 benefits us all.

It’s Time to Bring California Home

Governor Newsom Extends Eviction Moratorium

Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 91, a new measure to extend the eviction moratorium through June, and provide eligible landlords and tenants with relief. It also establishes a rental assistance program with $1.5 billion from the federal government, which will be used to help low-income tenants pay down their rental debt. Participating landlords could receive 80% of back rent for April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021. 

The bill is a positive step towards helping struggling CA renters remain housed during the pandemic while enabling small landlords and nonprofit housing providers to stay whole. But we know more can be done to protect Californians from mounting debt and look forward to working with our partners and state leaders on crafting effective and equitable solutions.

Our Take on the State Budget

On January 8, Governor Newsom introduced his proposed budget. While the governor’s proposals will help reduce homelessness, increase the supply of affordable housing across California, protect renters from eviction and discrimination, and address racial inequities, our state needs a comprehensive, long-term strategy to truly close racial equity gaps and create stable, affordable homes for all Californians. Read our full joint statement with California Housing Partnership.