A Busy Week for Housing

By Sunny Shaw, NAHRO President

As I write to you, I am struck by what a busy week it has been in the world of housing! Just this week alone I have read dozens of articles that discuss housing issues across the country and across the world. In fact, a quick search this week shows that there have literally been hundreds of articles on this topic. Our topic. The focus of each varies from the high cost of buying homes, to the tightening rental market, to landlords wanting fewer restrictions, to housing as a right, and to homelessness. And of course, there have been many articles on President Biden’s Executive Order: Memorandum on Redressing Our Nation’s and the Federal Government’s History of Discriminatory Housing Practices and Policies. Finally, and in a way sadly, our issue is being recognized as the world’s issue.

I was truly given hope as I read the Executive Order. I was reminded of the housing tours I have been on in many of our cities where we have observed firsthand the impact of interstates cutting communities of color off from city resources (jobs, transportation, etc.). Observing the community impact and the reality of living it are no way comparable and I am hopeful that this Executive Order will be a step in righting this wrong and changing the reality for all impacted.

I was also given hope in seeing an acknowledgement of the impact racial segregation, that is happening to this day, has had, and is having on households of color. This acknowledgement is a step in the right direction to correcting the wrongs of the past. There is much work to do.

The President’s memorandum also requests that HUD review the new AFFH rule and to take action. We know the concerns our members shared about the original 2015 rule on assuming responsibility for local activities outside of their reach, such as transportation. That is why NAHRO stands ready to as­sist the new administration in crafting an effective AFFH. We are advocating for that opportunity.

News articles, an Executive Order, AND a new HUD Secretary! As I shared, it has been a busy week in the world of housing. Secretary Designate Fudge has advocated for stronger housing programs and increased fund­ing.   NAHRO is prepared to work with her in reducing homelessness and poverty by pro­viding housing opportunities and integrating housing with education and health outcomes.

Like I said! It was a busy week for housing. With all that happened this week, I anticipate that it will be a busy year – and perhaps a busy four years! – for housing. Let’s roll up our sleeves and prepare to use this opportunity to do some serious work to improve the lives of the households we serve and our communities as a whole.

NAHRO Reads
One of the most significant books I have read is The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein. It provides in depth research on the ways governmental policy have not just allowed segregation to continue but have shaped the framework of its continuance. If your argument is that “everything is fine and there is no segregation,” please read this book. The facts will help you to understand the frustration, hurt, and anger you have witnessed on our streets but not understood. It is time to begin to understand. Only in understanding can we work together to create change.

Also, coincidently (or not), Mr. Rothstein will be speaking in a Plenary Session during our Legislative Conference. Yet another reason to register to attend! I have had the opportunity to hear him speak. He is fabulous and I am looking forward to hearing him again. Join me!