The Urgent Crisis of Native Homelessness and Newcomer Homelessness: A Call for Equity and Justice
Dear Eviction Space Community,
As we confront the multifaceted challenges of homelessness in our communities, it's essential to shine a light on the disturbing trend of native homelessness and newcomer homelessness. In recent years, we've witnessed a concerning pattern emerge: the prioritization of housing refugees and immigrants over citizens, resulting in dire consequences for those already on the margins.
The terms "Native Homeless" and "Newcomer Homeless" have emerged to encapsulate this stark reality. Historically black and brown neighborhoods, already grappling with systemic inequities, are now being inundated with newcomers who are being housed at the expense of native residents.
What's even more alarming is the disparity in treatment between native renters and newcomers. While native renters are required to pass rigorous rental applications, newcomers are often exempt from such scrutiny, leading to a skewed dynamic where landlords prioritize newcomers over longtime residents. This not only perpetuates housing insecurity for native renters but also exacerbates tensions within communities already struggling with gentrification and displacement.
The consequences of this systemic injustice are devastating. Women with children, armed with their hard-earned tax refunds, find themselves unable to secure housing despite having the means to do so. I recently encountered a 19-year-old mother with a two-year-old baby who was driven to the brink of desperation, threatening to take her own life because she found herself homeless and without recourse.
It's a stark reminder that the current state of affairs is untenable. We cannot stand idly by as our fellow citizens, particularly those from historically marginalized communities, are displaced and disregarded in favor of newcomers. We must take swift and decisive action to address this crisis and ensure equity and justice for all.
Here are a few articles about the state of immigration in the United States.
U.S. allowing hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans in the country to work legally
The Homeland Security Department plans to grant Temporary Protected Status to an estimated 472,000 Venezuelans who arrived in the country as of July 31, making it easier for them to get authorization to work in the U.S. That’s been a key demand of Democratic mayors and governors who are struggling to care for an increased number of migrants in their care.
That’s in addition to about 242,700 Venezuelans who already qualified for temporary status before Wednesday’s announcement. Full article here WTTW/Chicago PBS
You can find immigrants working in fast-food restaurants across the United States. They are concentrated in the cities and states that are taking them in.
Volunteers Help Migrants Find Permanent Housing in Chicago
A government assistance program covering up to six months of housing costs for migrants is open only to those living in city or state shelters, forcing thousands of other new arrivals to seek help elsewhere. There are more than 11,000 migrants in city-run shelters, according to the city’s latest reports, and the process of applying for assistance can take months. Full article here Governing
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The "NATIVE HOMELESS" don't get these subsidies. You have homeless Americans and newly evicted Americans who can't find a place to live. It's not about taking the subsidies from the migrants. It's about giving the Native Homeless the same subsidy.
At Eviction Space Foundation, we're committed to advocating for the rights of those facing homelessness, regardless of their background or immigration status. We're working tirelessly to amplify their voices, provide resources, and foster partnerships that prioritize the needs of our communities.
We are also thrilled to announce the newest chapters of the Community Tenant Union of America. We warmly welcome "I Am Brenda" in Sacramento, California, with President and Founder Tabitha Wynters, and "Concerned Renters of Lawrenceburg" in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, led by President and Founder Andrew Wilson. Congratulations on being the change!
Together, let us rise to the challenge and demand accountability from our elected officials, landlords, and policymakers. Let us create a future where every individual, regardless of their background, has access to safe, stable housing and the opportunity to thrive.
Donate to the Eviction Space and Apartment and Housing Rentals Foundation Inc . Our initiatives include Eviction Space Resource Centers, Community Tenant Unions of America, Affordable Housing Programs, Homelessness Prevention, and Eviction Prevention Programs. Donate today.
In solidarity,
Lashondra Graves
CEO Apartment and Housing Rentals Foundation
Eviction Space Foundation