HUD Improves Housing Options for Victims of Domestic Violence

WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced new resources to advance housing protections for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). These resources include a new VAWA website, a Notice setting out HUD’s enforcement authority under VAWA, and up to $5 million in funding to provide VAWA training and technical assistance to HUD grantees and other stakeholders. “No one should have to choose between maintaining housed and staying safe. The Violence Against Women Act makes clear that survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking cannot be denied housing and are eligible for an emergency transfer should the need arise,” said Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “We are making these protections clear on HUD’s website, so landlords are aware of our requirements and survivors know their rights.” Under VAWA, applicants and tenants of certain HUD rental assistance programs may not be denied housing, evicted, or have their housing assistance terminated because they have experienced domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Additionally, survivors must be able to access certain remedies, such as the ability to request an emergency transfer for safety reasons related to the violence. If a housing provider or survivor is unclear on VAWA’s protections, they can visit the newly launched webpage, which serves as a clearinghouse for HUD’s VAWA resources. The site features FAQs on VAWA housing protections, VAWA trainings, related forms and legal authorities, as well as referrals to direct services for survivors. On March 15, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022 (VAWA 2022), which enhances housing protections for survivors applying for and living in units assisted by HUD programs. VAWA 2022 protects an individual’s right to call emergency services and report crime from their homes – meaning that families do not have to fear losing their housing if they need to call 9-1-1. The protections also ensure that individuals do not have to fear retaliation from their housing provider for exercising their rights under VAWA or assisting others in doing so, including filing VAWA complaints. Further, in a Notice published today, HUD establishes that the Department will implement and enforce VAWA in such way that provides the same rights and remedies as those provided under the Fair Housing Act. Accordingly, HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) may exercise discretion to investigate alleged or suspected non-compliance with VAWA, similar to how it may do so under the Fair Housing Act. VAWA also requires federal agencies, including HUD, to establish a process to review compliance with the applicable requirements in VAWA. HUD will implement this broader compliance review obligation, as discussed in more detail in the Notice. To the extent possible, HUD will identify existing compliance review procedures that already allow for such reviews, including those currently administered by FHEO. “FHEO has long worked to eradicate discrimination in housing. With this new authority to enforce the housing provisions of VAWA, FHEO is committed to protecting the rights of VAWA survivors and their families,” said Demetria L. McCain, HUD’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. ***** Source: HUD press release, February 1, 2023.

 Maryland Civil Rights Leadership Program

Leadership Program

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. New CRLP Session Beginning!!!! ​The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights Leadership Program (CRLP) is a free three-day academy designed to provide training and insight to emerging leaders by fostering a comprehensive and supportive educational environment wherein program participants will engage with experienced Civil Rights leaders, scholars, and practitioners in order to learn more about career paths and opportunities in the field.   The program will be held virtually  on March 2-5, 2023.  Topics covered will be, but not limited to:   Training on Maryland's Anti-Discrimination Laws and MCCR Enforcement Legal Overview/Investigative Practices Civil Rights Career Forum​   THE DEADLINE IS FEBRUALRY 1st For more information, click HERE Victim of Discrimination? Training & Partnerships HOME      ABOUT MCCR      SERVICES      PUBLICATIONS      EVENTS      PRESS      CONTACT US

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 2023 Just Economy Conference!

Elected in 2016, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal is now serving her third term in Congress representing Washington’s 7th District. She is the first South Asian American woman elected to the US House of Representatives and one of only two dozen naturalized citizens currently serving in the United States Congress.   Congresswoman Jayapal is a member of the House Judiciary Committee, where she serves as Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law. She also serves on the Budget and House Education & Labor Committees.    Representative Jayapal has been a leader on immigration and championed legislation to address income inequality, such as the $15 minimum wage and expanded collective bargaining rights for workers. She has worked extensively on healthcare issues as the lead sponsor of the Medicare for All bill in the House, and she is the author of the College for All Act, which would ensure every American has access to higher education. She has authored other landmark pieces of progressive legislation including the Ultra-Millionaire Tax Act, Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, the Housing is a Human Right Act, and the National Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. She has also helped to introduce the THRIVE Act and other legislation to transition our economy to 100% clean energy and address the crisis of climate justice.   Don’t miss your chance to hear from Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal!

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The conference is open to all, but make sure to join NCRC membership to take advantage of discounted conference tickets!   We can’t wait to see you there!   Team NCRC

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 Human Rights Day in Annapolis

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We are proud to announce that the Maryland Attorney General, Anthony G. Brown will be in attendance at the Human Rights Day in  Annapolis. With this news, and over 20 legislators committed to participating or being present, Human Rights Day in Annapolis is sure to be an enlightening and informative forum.    Human Rights Day in Annapolis is slated for Friday, February 17, from 8:30am to 12:30pm.  This year, we will be meeting in the Historic Inns of Annapolis, Governor Calvert House. To register, click on the link HERE.   This is a FREE event but SPACE IS LIMITED!!!!!!!!!   Victim of Discrimination? Training & Partnerships HOME      ABOUT MCCR      SERVICES      PUBLICATIONS      EVENTS      PRESS      CONTACT US

 Housing Day at Annapolis

Please join us for Housing Days...because one day just isn't enough!

The 2023 Legislative Session is underway in Annapolis, but there is no meeting space available due to construction, so we are doing things a little differently this year. We will have a virtual program one day followed by in-person visits to Legislators in Annapolis the next day. The MAHC Legislative Committee is busy preparing for these events, so please plan to join us on February 15-16, 2023 to show your support for affordable rental housing programs. We are asking for a $172 million increase in capital funding for the DHCD Rental Housing Programs to support increased project costs and high demand for funding. The  Governor's proposed FY24 budget includes $78 million for Rental Housing Programs this year ($100 million less than FY23 levels), but $250 million is needed to address the very large pipeline of projects.   Please help us fill the virtual room and then plan to come down to Annapolis to tell your Legislators how important these additional funds are so you can keep producing needed affordable housing units.

MAHC HOUSING DAYS February 15, 2023  - Virtual Program* 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. February 16, 2023 - Legislative Visits in Annapolis

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*Registration includes an option to join a County delegation for individual meetings with key Legislators. Please indicate which County group you wish to join, and links to individual meetings will be sent to you separately.

Maryland Affordable Housing Coalition 1212 York Road, Suite C 300, Lutherville, MD 21093 P: 443-758-6270  E: mdarden@mdahc.org

 Just-Released HUD Publication

Expanding Equitable Opportunities in Housing

In October 2022, Enterprise Community Partners hosted its 40th Anniversary Conference in Washington, DC. Affordable housing advocates, housing investors, and policymakers discussed strategies to increase the upward mobility of low-income households, address racial inequities in housing, and invest in affordable housing. In a panel titled “Advancing Equity and Inclusion: Reconstructing Housing Policies and Practices,” participants explained how disinvestment in minority communities, along with past discrimination, has led to intergenerational inequities in housing, the accumulation of wealth, and educational attainment. Panelists discussed strategies to build wealth among African-Americans and low-income families through reparations, service delivery, and social impact investment.

What was discussed:

(1) Racism's impact on DC's Bread for the City clients.

Washington, DC nonprofit Bread for the City has begun discussing the impact of racism on its clients, who are predominantly African-American. The organization is part of the Anti-Racist D.C. coalition, through which local leaders are engaged in a multisector dialogue to devise strategies that repair the harm caused by racist policies toward minority communities. Its primary mission is to provide food, clothing, health care, financial assistance, and other social services for families in need. Client families have an average annual income of $10,000, and few own their homes. Reparations likely will be at the center of the nonprofit’s antiracist agenda, and such payments could be used to finance a down payment on a house, a small business, or higher education, helping to close the wealth gap. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated housing vulnerabilities for low-income households and minority communities, and it widened the wealth gap between minority households and White households.

(2) Housing costs and interest rate hikes are making attaining homeownership difficult for low-income households.

The Fifth Third Bank and Enterprise Community Partners have partnered to reverse such trends through the Empowering Black Futures Neighborhood Program. Active in 9 underserved neighborhoods in seven states, the program fosters economic mobility for African-American residents by channeling $20 million in investments for small businesses, mortgages, and neighborhood revitalization. These investments will support communities such as the Avondale neighborhood in Cincinnati, Ohio, which is working to revitalize its central business district, spur small business development, and preserve and construct affordable rental units and homes for sale.

(3) TriStar's Community Impact Fund.

TriStar, an Atlanta-based real estate investment company, operates a community impact fund to finance affordable housing development and social services for residents, many of which are tenants who work in the service industry and are unable to afford monthly rents between $600 and $700. At the height of the pandemic, TriStar has an eviction relief fund that raised approximately $12 million, and, through partnerships with 330 Atlanta landlords, it helped over 4,000 families avoid eviction. TriStar buys properties in neighborhoods with low-performing schools to help reduce school transiency and improve neighborhood stability by keeping rents affordable. Through partnerships with local school districts and health clinics, it provides summer camps, afterschool programs, and medical care. Tenant association meetings are held to foster networking among neighbors that can lead to employment and educational opportunities. Such community efforts can build trust among neighbors, service providers, and landlords.

(3) JPMorgan Chase's Racial Equity Commitment.

In 2020, JPMorgan Chase launched its $30 billion Racial Equity Commitment, a 5-year investment that supports affordable housing, homeownership, access to banking and capital, and small business growth. This commitment includes a Racial Equity Initiative of $221 million in a New Markets Tax Credit program equity from 2020-2021 to support the development of affordable rental projects. In 2021, it gave 12,000 home loans ($4 billion) to minority households, opened 10 community center branches in low- to moderate-income and minority neighborhoods, and hired over 100 managers to build relationships with local leaders, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses.

(4) Need for commitment to antiracism  among community leaders, housing advocates, and government officials.

Measuring progress toward achieving racial equity will require close attention to trends in homeownership rates, household income, and educational attainment. Developing trust between social impact investment companies and marginalized communities is critical for delivering services meeting residents’ needs and strong partnerships. Access to alternative credit underwriting systems for those unable to get credit through traditional means are important.

Source: HUD User's PD&R Edge, January 24, 2023.

https://www.huduser.gov/portal/pdredge/pdr-edge-featd-article-012423.html?WT.mc_id=edge_Jan24&WT.tsrc=Email