Learn about recent initiatives and accomplishments across the RHS network.
Partner Network News Roundup
Refugee Housing Solutions (RHS) engages with partners and stakeholders across a number of housing-related sectors to source and collaborate on innovative approaches to housing in the refugee and newcomer resettlement space. Here are just a few highlights of recent initiatives and achievements undertaken by RHS and our partners nationwide and across the globe:
Refugee Housing Solutions Co-leads Global Refugee Accommodation Working Group
This week, RHS Director Lindsey Guerrero formally introduced the Global Refugee Accommodation Working Group (GRAWG) during a UNHCR Consultations on Resettlement and Complementary Pathways (CRCP) meeting in Sydney, Australia. Church World Service (CWS), which hosts the RHS initiative, co-chairs the group alongside the Irish Government. CWS was also represented by Senior VP of Programs Erol Kekic, who has a longstanding leadership role in UNHCR and other global refugee resettlement groups and consultations.
HIAS’ Housing Guarantee Fund Among Finalists for 2024 Ivory Prize for Housing Affordability
Last week, Ivory Innovations announced 25 finalists for the 2024 Ivory Prize for Housing Affordability. Among this year’s Finance Finalists is national resettlement agency HIAS for its Housing Guarantee Fund. Please join the RHS team in congratulating our colleagues at HIAS and sending them best wishes for being selected for this year’s prize!
Every Campus a Refuge (ECAR) Founder and Director Awarded Emerson Collective Fellowship for Refugee Storytelling Project
ECAR founder and director Diya Abdo has been awarded an Emerson Collective Fellowship and joins a cohort of 12 Emerson Collective Fellows who are committed to bridging divides and knitting their communities together. The Fellowship encourages "individuals of exceptional talent and creativity to advance bold new projects in education, immigration, and social justice" among other sectors. Diya’s project, Ṣawt: The Resettlement Campus Oral History Project, will collect, curate, and share the voices of refugees hosted by ECAR chapters.
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Get Involved
Discover opportunities to join a regional housing community of practice or become a member of the National Housing Working Group. Plus, don't miss out on our upcoming webinars and live trainings.
Upcoming Webinars & Meetings
In response to growing requests for more creative ideas to recruit new landlords, the next round of regional housing CoP sessions will be facilitated deep-dives into the How to Recruit and Retain Housing Providers Toolkit. One of our team specialists will start with a presentation about the highlights of the toolkit. The presentation will be kept short to allow plenty of time for your ideas, questions, and group discussion.
Lunch and Learn: Housing Tips for Refugee Newcomers - How to Do a Pre-lease Inspection
Monday, March 25 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM ET
In this session hosted by Refugee Welcome Collective, RHS will give expert advice for refugee newcomers, community sponsors, volunteers, and resettlement office staff on how to conduct a proper pre-lease inspection. Guidance will focus on how to avoid the risk of signing a lease for a unit that cannot pass an inspection.
Policy News
New Edition of Affordable Housing Advocacy GuideThe National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) published this week the 2024 edition of its annual Advocates’ Guide, subtitled “A Primer on Federal Affordable Housing and Community Development Programs and Policies.” Affordable housing advocates across disciplines are encouraged to use the resource as an “overview of housing programs and advocacy tools.” |
Zoning Reform as an Approach to U.S. Housing ShortageReworking zoning laws to allow construction of more multi-family homes and housing near public transit -- and working to cut down on permit red tape -- are just some aspects of the approach Minneapolis is taking as part of what it calls a "blueprint for housing affordability." |
Visit our News & Updates page for more news related to housing and refugee resettlement.
