Housing Advocates Space

We began monthly Housing Advocates meetings in June to share resources and support resident leaders in launching their own neighborhood housing initiative. We recognize that the current housing system isn’t working for (or isn’t designed to work for) working class communities of color. At the same time, we see our families and neighbors practicing creative models of resistance and collective living all the time. With this in mind, we invite residents to guide this space with their own lived expertise.

Below are highlights of what residents have named so far:

Housing Experiences and Concerns

  • Lack of tenant protections

  • Vacant buildings/land not used for housing or community purposes

  • New development that isn’t affordable or accessible

  • Slumlords

  • Individual homeownership seen as only option for stability

Ideas for Housing Solutions

  • Tenant Autonomy (first right to purchase buildings, ability to negotiate without retaliation, ability to earn interest on payments)

  • Affordability (rent control for everyone, financial systems that support collective ownership)

  • Building Safety (consistent upkeep of rentals, accessibility for elders and people with disabilities)

  • Policy Alignment (consistency across local and statewide policies)

Local housing organizations also join us to share information that reflects residents' priorities. At our June meeting, Eastside LEADS joined us to share about their tenant advocacy through Stay Housed LA and the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. At our upcoming July meeting, Beverly-Vermont Community Land Trust will lead a workshop on the land trust model and housing cooperatives:

Community Land Trusts & Housing Co-ops 101
Wednesday, July 27, 2022 • 6-7:30pm
Rio De Los Angeles State Park (1900 N San Fernando Rd)
(Find us behind the main building by the picnic tables)

Share your experiences with communal living and learn about collective housing models from Beverly-Vermont Community Land Trust.

LA-Más Team