Fair Housing Month, new research, and upcoming trainings.
A Look at Global Migration, Housing Needs, and What It Means for Resettlement Outcomes
The Migration Policy Institute’s Migration Information Source recently published an article exploring the effects of housing availability and quality on refugees’ and other displaced people’s resettlement outcomes worldwide. The article, authored by Refugee Housing Solutions and Church World Service staff, gives an overview of trends in both displacement and housing. The authors highlight factors driving both crises, and potential solutions and housing models that can be widely adapted and implemented.
April is Fair Housing Month!
Fair Housing Month celebrates the signing of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status. During Fair Housing Month, we reflect on the continued need to advocate for fair housing rights and enforcement, and the importance of creating welcoming and inclusive communities.
Featured Resources
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
The next bimonthly round of regional housing community of practice meeting dates will soon be announced for May.
Lunch and Learn: Housing Tips for Refugee Newcomers - How to Do a Pre-lease Inspection
Monday, April 8 | 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.
Fair Housing Month 2024 Opening Ceremony
Thursday, April 11 | 2:00 - 3:30 PM ET
This virtual event will highlight HUD’s progress toward protecting and expanding fair housing rights for all. The program will include remarks from the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for FHEO, Demetria McCain; the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Legislative Initiatives, and Outreach, Melody Taylor; and the President and CEO of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Damon Hewitt. (description copied from HUD)
3-Day Virtual Certificate Program: Advancing the Role of Community Stakeholders in Refugee Integration
Wednesday, May 15 - Friday, May 17
This certificate opportunity from Guilford College's Every Campus a Refuge (ECAR) "will engage participants in learning about forced displacement and refugee resettlement, and the methods by which community members can support and participate in refugee integration efforts while centering the agency and dignity of refugees as co-designers of those methods."
Landlord Q&A Forum
Thursday, May 16 | 3:30 - 4:30 PM ET
This landlord forum will demystify the resettlement process while explaining the benefits of renting to newcomers. The forum will also have a Q&A session to address common concerns and questions you may have as a housing provider.
Policy News
Redefining Affordability for a Clearer Picture of the Housing CrisisAs affordable housing advocates look for innovative ways to approach challenges, research published in 2022 has revealed “a series of alternative estimates of affordable housing among American households with low incomes.” The study, summarized by the Urban Institute’s Housing Matters, explores ways in which “different measures of income, household composition, and affordability substantially change the apparent scope of the housing affordability crisis.” |
Housing a Key Feature of Election Discourse – and the President’s Proposed 2025 BudgetIn March, President Biden announced several new initiatives to target housing costs and availability as part of his proposed 2025 budget. The proposal includes the expansion of existing programs such as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) while introducing new initiatives like a Neighborhood Homes Tax Credit and a $20 billion Innovation Fund for Housing Expansion. |
Visit our News & Updates page for more news related to housing and refugee resettlement.
