Shelterforce

"Take for example, Athene Annuity, an insurer owned by the private equity firm Apollo Global Management. Athene had $11.9 billion in outstanding advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines through June 2024." Why is this company the biggest borrower from a federal home loan bank, part of a system designed to support housing? And what can we do about it? Read the full story: https://bit.ly/4dU6qtE #FederalHomeLoanBank #HousingFinance #AffordableHousing

"Seattle is going through a real sea-change in terms of the really troubling economic forecast for the local public school system," explains Marcia Wright-Soika, executive director of FamilyWorks Family Resource Center and Food Banks "One of the ways that schools get funded in Washington state is by enrollment, so when you have children who are moving out of the city and away from city public schools because of things like affordability . . . Opting out of the district reduces the districts resources and their ability to provide education for the vast majority of the students who live here." At FamilyWorks, the organization's solution is clear: partnering with school and housing communities to reach families where they live, work, and grow. Watch the full interview here: https://bit.ly/3Y8CwMg #IntersectionOfHousing #BuildingCommunityPower #HousingJustice

Shelterforce Weekly Update In this week's Shelterforce newsletter, housing advocates weigh in on Kamala Harris's and Donald Trump's housing proposals, highlighting distinct approaches to homelessness and affordability. Amid rapid climate change, we explore what an equitable, reformed property insurance model could look like. Sweden’s co-op model, covering nearly a quarter of its housing, is also examined for its mixed-income, sustainable potential. Plus, don’t miss the latest events, job listings, and more! Check out the full newsletter today.

Just before Thanksgiving 2023, Katelyn Crandall and Quinn Knight found themselves in a freezing upstate New York home with a broken boiler and a landlord who was slow to respond. After weeks of waiting, they were given three options, none of which provided immediate relief. With temperatures dropping, the couple faced a winter relying on space heaters, struggling to keep their pets warm, and watching their energy bills skyrocket. Thanks to New York’s new Tenant Dignity and Safe Housing Act (#TDSHA), they took legal action and secured a court order for repairs and financial compensation. But the process wasn’t easy, even with the law on their side. Could this new law become a model for tenant protections in other states? How might it change the landscape of housing rights across the country? Our latest article delves into the story and explores the broader implications. Read more: https://bit.ly/4dk7S95 #SafeHousingAct #UpstateNY #TenantRights

Kingston, NY Sets Precedent with Rent Reduction Order In a landmark decision, Kingston has become the FIRST city in New York State to order a rent reduction. Facing a 46.1% increase in median rents over just a few years, the city took bold action by opting into the Emergency Tenant Protection Act. This move, unprecedented outside of New York City and its immediate suburbs, culminated in a 15% rent reduction for stabilized units. The decision faces legal challenges from the Hudson Valley Property Owners Association, Inc, but its implications for affordable housing policy are significant. Read our in-depth report on how this small city is leading the charge in the fight for tenant rights: https://bit.ly/4h3xVDL #KingstonNY #AffordableHousing #TenantRights

With climate migration projected to be necessary for 20 million Americans by 2100, the current pace of buyouts is alarmingly slow. How can we accelerate these efforts? What strategies could support a national managed retreat? Read the full analysis by Tim Robustelli and Yuliya Panfil from New America and contribute to the discussion. https://bit.ly/4dlhuQN #ClimateMigration #ManagedRetreat #ClimateAction #EnvironmentalPolicy

In "Abolish Rent," Tracy Rosenthal and Leo Vilchis define “rent” in a really specific way—as a form of class warfare against tenants. We chat with the authors about why it was important to set out that definition, and lots more. https://bit.ly/3Ylh8Vj #TenantRights #HousingJustice #AuthorInterview

The Power of Tenant Organizing: A New Approach to Housing Policy The recent rent strikes organized by the Tenant Union Federation (TUF) in Kansas City showcase a novel approach to influencing federal housing policy. By targeting properties with federally backed loans, tenants are leveraging their collective power to demand change at the highest levels. Highlights: - TUF is pushing for FHFA to condition loans on tenant protections. - Strikes are focusing on financially distressed properties. - The campaign could affect 16 million people living in units with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac backed mortgages. Explore the full story: https://bit.ly/3U6Z1zR #MultifamilyHomes #TenantStrike #Organizing

With the housing crisis growing, voters want to know: What are the solutions? Shelterforce provides an in-depth look at how both presidential candidates' campaigns address housing. Read the full article and find out how these platforms compare: https://bit.ly/4eEqyky #HousingJustice #Election2024 #AffordableHousing

A community-driven initiative in Kingston has revealed the critical importance of accurate housing data. When an initial survey showed a 6.7% vacancy rate, just above the 5% threshold for declaring a housing emergency, local organizers from Forthemany and Citizen Action of New York pushed for a more thorough investigation. The resulting city-conducted survey found a mere 1.57% vacancy rate, exposing a far more severe housing shortage. Explore how community action and data transparency can drive meaningful policy change: https://bit.ly/4h3xVDL #KingstonNY #CommunityAction #HousingAdvocacy