A Special Message from FHJC Policy Coordinator Britny McKenzie
The Fair Housing Justice Center is teaming up with the National Fair Housing Alliance and other fair housing groups around the country in an organized National Day of Action to ensure that a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to address our nation’s housing crisis doesn’t slip away.
Last November, the House of Representatives passed the sweeping Build Back Better Act (BBBA). Substantial housing provisions are included in the Act, including the largest-ever investment in fair housing enforcement, but the Senate so far has refused to take it up for consideration.
While the overall bill languishes in the Senate, lawmakers are considering proposals that would break down the bill into smaller parts in order to get certain portions passed as separate measures. Without a push from advocates around the country, the housing investments in the BBBA have little chance of becoming a reality!
On Monday, February 28th, please join fair housing advocates across the nation by contacting your representatives and senators throughout the day, and by posting on social media between 1 and 3 PM EST.
Tell your Representatives and Senators to have the courage to continue fighting for all the Build Back Better Act’s housing investments, especially:
- $800 Million for Local Fair Housing Enforcement through the Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) and Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) to ensure that grassroots private fair housing enforcement organizations and local and state civil and human rights government agencies can better address ongoing and emerging forms of housing and lending discrimination in their local housing markets.
- $10 Billion for Targeted First-Generation Down Payment Assistance (DPA) to begin to close the racial homeownership and wealth gaps.
- $5 Billion for New Construction and Property Rehabilitation that would result in the building or renovating of 125,000 affordable homes.
NFHA has set up an easy link to identify and email your Representatives and Senators. Simply click the link below.
You can also call your members of Congress by dialing 202-224-3121 and asking the operator to connect you with your Representatives’ or Senators’ offices. (The email template available at the link below can be used as a script when you are connected to a staff person.)
Want more talking points? Feel free to use NFHA’s Advocacy and Social Media Toolkit.
Thanks for your help in fighting to pass this crucial legislation. Together, we can help ensure that no American faces discrimination while finding a safe place to call home. It’s time for Congress to act.
Sincerely,
Britny McKenzie
Policy Coordinator
Fair Housing Justice Center