NLIHC’s most recent national call on “Coronavirus, Housing, and Homelessness” took place on June 15. Representative Deb Haaland (D-NM) discussed the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Native communities and the underlying Tribal housing crisis. She urged additional housing assistance for Tribal communities to be allocated in the next coronavirus relief package. Lisa Rice, president and CEO of the National Fair Housing Alliance, addressed the links among health, housing, and racism, encouraging advocates to contact their senators and demand they pass the HEROES Act. We also heard field updates from Eric Samuels of the Texas Homeless Network; Shelly Nortz of the New York Coalition for the Homeless; Melina Lodge of Housing Network Rhode Island; and John Jopling of the Mississippi Center for Justice.
Also on the call, NLIHC staff members provided updates on policy changes, advocacy efforts, and future events. Senior Advisor Ed Gramlich shared updates on HUD funding, and Lisa Marlow, manager of media relations and communications, discussed strategies for communicating the need for emergency rental assistance. Policy Analyst Kim Johnson and Field Director Joey Lindstrom provided congressional updates and outlined needed advocacy actions. Renee Willis, vice president for field and communications, invited everyone to join resident leaders and NLIHC staff for the next Tenant Talk Live! webinar on June 22 at 6 pm ET to discuss “Race, Housing, and Hope.” Guest speakers for Tenant Talk Live! include Pittsburgh artist and community activist Vanessa German and Shriver Center racial justice attorney Rasheedah Phillips. Register at: https://bit.ly/3dNekGP
NLIHC hosts national calls on “Coronavirus, Housing, and Homelessness” every week. On today’s call (Monday, June 22 at 2:30 pm ET), we will be joined by Matthew Desmond and his team from Eviction Lab. Register at: https://tinyurl.com/ru73qan
Watch a recording of the June 15 call at: tinyurl.com/y96f7o6t
View June 15 presentation slides at: tinyurl.com/y76mxwr2
Read NLIHC’s “RentReliefNow” Social Media Toolkit at: https://tinyurl.com/yb3hyqv7
Stay up to date on COVID news and housing resources at: https://bit.ly/3dwCSEm