Masonic Homes of California’s Post

Thanks to changes in eligibility announced in 2023, for the first time in its 125-year history, the Masonic Homes of California is now open to #PrinceHall Masons, as well as their spouses, parents, and parents-in-law—providing access to Masonic #ReliefServices to more California Masons than ever before. That includes entry into the Masonic Homes’ communities in Union City and Covina. While this partnership between the Masons of California and Prince Hall Grand Lodge of California is an important step in bringing the two fraternal organizations closer together, it’s also serving an immediate need: The average cost of #SeniorHousing rose more than five percent nationwide in 2023, an almost five-fold increase in the historic year-over-year costs. Through the Masonic Homes’ communities, which include #IndependentLiving, #AssistedLiving, #SkilledNursing (including #MemoryCare), Prince Hall Masons and their families now have access to senior living that’s affordable, safe, and, for many, close to home. Read more about this significant development in the latest issue of California Freemason: https://lnkd.in/g9Dai72C #MasonsofCA #MasonicHomes #SeniorLiving #PeaceofMind

At Covenant House New Jersey (CHNJ), fostering a supportive community is fundamental to our mission of aiding youth facing homelessness. We provide safe spaces where young individuals can rebuild their lives and strive for a better future through various housing options like emergency shelter and transitional housing. These programs offer not just essentials like food and clothing but also vital services like education support, counseling, and job training through the Dove Learning Center (DLC). Staff are dedicated to cultivating a sense of belonging, encouraging residents to uplift each other as they journey towards stability and independence. Despite empowering youth with essential skills, securing affordable housing remains a significant challenge due to limited availability and systemic barriers. High rental costs and landlord reluctance pose hurdles, compounded by discrimination based on age, race, or source of income (e.g., rent voucher). CHNJ actively works to address these issues, applying for government vouchers and forging partnerships with landlords to expand housing options. Even after leaving CHNJ, ongoing support is crucial to prevent setbacks, emphasizing the importance of community in sustaining stable housing for youth navigating adult life for the first time.   CHNJ remains steadfast in our commitment to building community as a cornerstone of securing safe and stable housing for youth. Through collaboration with partners and ongoing support, we strive to empower young individuals, ensuring they have the resources and assistance needed to thrive beyond our programs. To learn more about our efforts, click here to watch Kenny Greer, Associate Housing Director, discuss our work in detail. You can also learn more about how the current real estate market is impacting our ability to provide housing options to our youth here.

The landmark advocacy work of our social justice partners at the Fair Share Housing Center is highlighted in this New York Times feature. The article details the important history of New Jersey’s recently reaffirmed Mount Laurel doctrine, which requires each municipality to provide its fair share of affordable housing, and the model this framework provides for other states battling the housing affordability crisis. https://lnkd.in/eDcxxjj4

The San Diego Housing Federation is deeply saddened with the recent Supreme Court decision in Johnson v. Grants Pass. There is only one way to solve the affordable housing crisis - a home.   This ruling takes us backwards and strips long standing constitutional protections that have protected our unhoused populations from cruel and unusual punishment; this decision leaves them even more vulnerable and shifts the burden away from elected leaders towards law enforcement.   Furthermore, the decision neglects to address the core issue: the nationwide shortage of affordable housing has been exacerbated by a lack of dedicated resources for building such homes. This critical challenge demands comprehensive solutions, not the abandonment of those most in need.   We at the San Diego Housing Federation stand in solidarity with our unhoused neighbors. We will continue to fight for a more just and equitable future where everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home. #JohnsonVGrantsPass

As someone who knows firsthand what it means to live without a stable home, supporting Denver's Ballot Issue 2R, “Affordable Denver,” is deeply personal for me. Growing up, my family moved constantly, navigating eviction notices and periods of homelessness. We faced disruption after disruption - by the time I reached ninth grade, I had attended nine different schools within the same city. The lack of stability impacted every part of my life, including my education and sense of security. Affordable housing is more than just a policy issue; it’s about giving every family, every child, the stability and opportunity they deserve. A safe, consistent home can be the difference between surviving and thriving - it builds the foundation for a better future. Supporting 2R means supporting a future where children don't have to endure the uncertainty that I did. It means enabling teachers, essential workers, and all Denver families to live affordably in the communities they serve. This initiative directly invests in housing security, so more families can find strength and dignity in the right to a stable home. In these final days leading up to a historic Election Day, I know that seemingly endless ballot resting on your kitchen table can seem overwhelming. But I implore you to give 2R the consideration it deserves. If you believe in a Denver where everyone has the chance to put down roots and grow, please join me in voting YES on 2R. https://lnkd.in/gjwJry9e #AffordableDenver #AffordableHousing #Denver #HousingMatters

Bill Seeks to Rectify Diocesan Synod Membership Anomaly: A Bill which seeks to amend the Constitution ensure that those who are elected by a parish, parochial district, union or group of parishes to act as diocesan synod members are part of the parish for which they are elected was proposed at General Synod today (Friday May 10). Currently, the Constitution allows for a member of Parish X to be a diocesan synod member for Parish Y. It is suggested that it would be appropriate that a member of diocesan synod be invested in their parish to the extent of at least being a registered vestry member. Bill No 2 was proposed by Hazel Corrigan explained that while the possibility that a member of one parish could serve as a Diocesan Synod member for another parish might seem like a technicality, it undermined the essence of representation and diluted the voice of the parish. “Therefore this Bill will rectify this anomaly by enshrining the principle that Diocesan Synod members must have a tangible connection to the parish, parochial district, union or group of parishes they are elected by. Specifically, this bill proposes that individuals elected to serve as Diocesan Synod members must be registered Vestry Members of the respective parish, thereby ensuring a direct and vested interest in the welfare of the parish,” she said. The Bill was seconded by Canon Gillian Wharton. She said: “It is important that the breadth and width of a diocese is heard at Diocesan Synod and that each parish, parochial district or union or group of parishes which is an integral and important component of the diocese has people present to speak at Diocesan Synod out of the context of that parish”.  She said this Bill would ensure that that is the case. The Bill will go to a third reading when Synod meets online next week. #coigs

📢🏠 Spotlight on Richmond’s housing crisis: As co-director of the Wilder School RVA Eviction Lab at Virginia Commonwealth University, Dr. Ben Teresa's research reveals that our city has one of the highest eviction rates in the nation. In 2023, Richmond landlords filed 12,816 eviction cases, executing 2,849 — a 22% execution rate. The RVA Eviction Lab analyzes eviction data and advocates for tenant protections through projects like the Virginia Evictors Catalog. It provides critical insights to help shape fair housing policies and support vulnerable renters. With Richmond's long-declared housing crisis, Dr. Teresa’s data-driven approach demonstrates the need for local investment in affordable housing and stronger renter protections. Via Richmond Times-Dispatch: https://lnkd.in/epAkAkFN #Richmond #HousingCrisis #Evictions #VCU

Today, I had the honor of speaking at Cullman Housing Authority's 75th Anniversary Celebration addressing the mayor, Councilmembers, Board of Commissioners, HUD officials and congressional staffers. The theme of the event was Keeping the Promise: People, Places, and Progress!” Affordable housing is more than just a roof over someone’s head it’s a cornerstone of stability, opportunity, and thriving communities. However, achieving this requires more than individual effort; it demands collaboration across sectors, organizations, and communities. From local government and federal agencies to nonprofit organizations and private developers, we all have a role to play in creating solutions that address housing challenges. When we work together, we bring diverse perspectives, resources, and innovation to the table, creating outcomes that are greater than the sum of their parts. Let’s continue to build bridges, share ideas, and uplift communities through the power of collaboration. Together, we can keep the promise of affordable housing for all. People, Places, Progress! #AffordableHousing #Collaboration #CommunityDevelopment #HousingMatters

Interesting posts yesterday. Several groups have opened new shelters and housing opportunities for people, about 300 beds and apts. Thank God for their work and effort. At the same time, this was in the news. "In July 2024, Maricopa County, Arizona filed 7,903 evictions, the third-highest number of evictions ever recorded in the county. This number is 30% higher than July 2019, before the pandemic, and 8% higher than June 2024. As of June 28, 2024, more than 50,100 eviction cases had been filed in Maricopa County in 2024, which is the highest number of evictions filed in the same period of time since 2000. If the current trend continues, 2024 could break the all-time record for eviction filings in the county." At that rate, we will need 175 three-hundred bed units available by the end of the year.

Nearly 300 Civil Rights, Housing, Faith, Environmental and Industry Organizations and a Local Elected Official Urge Biden Administration to Immediately Release Fair Housing Rule Groups implore White House to follow through on its commitments to create inclusive, resource-rich communities free of discrimination with the amenities everyone needs to thrive Washington, DC — Nearly 300 leading civil rights, housing, faith, environmental, industry organizations and a local elected official from throughout the nation wrote to President Biden, urging his administration to immediately release the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s final “Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing” (AFFH) rule. AFFH, a provision of the Fair Housing Act, requires HUD or any entity that receives federal funding for housing and community development to use those funds and operate their programs in a manner that redresses inequities in the housing system and create inclusive, resource-rich communities that give everyone an opportunity to thrive. The proposed final AFFH rule will ensure a society in which everyone can live in a safe neighborhood with ample affordable and accessible housing options, fresh air, clean water, good public transportation, living-wage jobs, quality healthcare, healthy foods, affordable credit, and well-resourced schools. Read Full Press Release: https://lnkd.in/dhmSQPmE