THE FIGHT ISN'T OVER
On April 11th, 1968 the Fair Housing Act was passed which prohibits discrimination in the purchase, sale, rental, or financing of housing based on race, skin color, sex, nationality, or religion. While we do celebrate this incredible moment in history, we acknowledge that there is always room for improvement and work to be done.
|
|
In a study done by the National Bureau of Economic Research in 2021, researchers studied racial discrimination in the American rental market from names on rental applications. Using fake identities, applications were sent to property managers in 50 metropolitan cities around the U.S. Names were chosen that have associations with African American, Hispanic/Latinx, and White communities based on birth records and censuses.
Response rates were 12% lower for applications from African American renters (compared to white renters) and this group received the greatest discrimination in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Louisville. Hispanic renters faced the greatest discrimination in Louisville, Houston, and Providence and received 8.1% lower response rates.
|
|
"Over the years, I’ve seen first-hand how both regressive policy/practices and discriminate neighbors can keep people of color out of housing or create housing instability. It’s time for all of us, in Whatcom County, to engage in anti-racist work and create that change within our own systems where we have influence, in order to collectively achieve the vision that every family deserves a home."
Ashley Thomasson
Lydia Place Housing Program Director
|
|
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?
This isn’t just up to the government, property management companies, and other places of business who make decisions about who can access housing and who can’t. The power to create equal access to housing lies within all of us by actively participating in racial equity education and work. The implicit and explicit biases we carry with us, along with exclusionary policy and frameworks, still exist in our systems and take regular deconstruction and reconstruction to create meaningful change. We are the neighbors to our BIPOC community who can help make our neighborhoods and apartment buildings safe for everyone.
|
|
GIVE WHILE YOU SHOP
On your next grocery store run, you can easily support local families in our community through the Haggen Cultivating Community Together Campaign. When checking out, choose to donate and support us in our mission to end the cycle of homelessness in Whatcom County.
WHEN
March 30th through May 24th
WHERE
Barkley Haggen and Ferndale Haggen
|
|
|
|
|
THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!
April is Volunteer Appreciation Month and we want to thank all of the volunteers who have supported us by donating their time and energy through various opportunities. Volunteers are crucial to our work and we are incredibly grateful to have our community rallied around us as we work to embody our mission, vision, and values in the pursuit of ending family homelessness in Whatcom County.
|
|
BOOK FOR KIDS
Thank you to the 2nd graders at Franklin Academy for collecting books for our Lydia Place families.
Did you know that our Family Support Specialists bring a new book with them on every home visit? Book drives like this one make it possible for us to encourage early literacy and parent-child bonding by ensuring each family has a supply of books at home.
|
|
|
FOLLOW US!
Discover opportunities to get involved and see all the creative ways our community supports our mission to disrupt the cycle of homelessness.
|
|
|
We had mission success with Hearts for Housing 2022. We couldn't have done it without the help of Ben Kinney, our sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who donated or bid on an item. We were able to raise over $220,000 to continue supporting vulnerable families in our community!
Handbags for Housing 2022 is just around the corner so we look forward to seeing you in person on June 9th.
|
|
MISSED THE EVENT?
Text Lydia to 26989 to donate and watch the event recording below:
|
|
 |
Whatcom County families need your help. Whether you can commit to a monthly donation or make a one-time gift, your support is vital to our ability to continue to say "yes" to families in crisis. |
|
|
|
SPRING CLEANING?
Support our families by donating your used clothing, children's items and household goods.
|
|
|
|
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or Basic Food) is now accepted for online orders at Safeway, Amazon, A&J Market, and Walmart in Washington state. SNAP provides low-income individuals and families with monthly benefits to buy food.
Click the button below to apply, check eligibility, or send information to someone you know who may qualify!
|
|
|
We've curated a video and a podcast that are helpful resources for you to learn more about the housing system and why our work at Lydia Place is so critical. |
|
BFE Learning Series: Homelessness is a Housing Problem
WATCH the replay of this FREE virtual event hosted by Bellingham For Everyone, as housing scholar Gregg Colburn discusses his findings from his newly released book, "Homelessness is a Housing Problem."
Read more
vimeo.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
Housing with Supports: Beyond Sticks and Bricks
LISTEN: 'Bricks and Mortar' is only part of the solution. How can we holistically support people with complex housing and health needs?
Read more
open.spotify.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Join Our Team or Intern With Us! |
We are seeking driven individuals to join us in our mission to disrupt the cycle of homelessness. We are currently hiring for a range of positions and internships. |
|
|
|
Phone: 360-671-7663
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 9 AM to 5 PM
|
|
|
Lydia Place is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and your donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by the law. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
