Regional Housing Stability Series
The Looming Eviction Crisis
Friday, June 18, 2021
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Register Here
The pandemic exacerbated the long-standing regional affordable housing crisis that displaces and forces many families and individuals to struggle monthly. Mass unemployment has left millions of DMV renters unable to pay rent and pushed closer to housing insecurity. Local, state, and federal eviction protection programs have provided temporary relief; however, once those expire, months of unpaid rent will be due, leaving countless families at risk. According to a study by the Urban Institute, the risk of evictions is greater for Black residents; 50% of Black DC residents rent their home, while only 30% of white residents rent. Join us for a discussion with regional leaders on preventing displacement, mass evictions, and long-term efforts to address affordable housing and opportunities for philanthropic partnership.
Featuring:
- MODERATOR | Ronnie Galvin, Greater Washington Community Foundation
- PANELIST | Dean Klein, Fairfax County Department of Human Services
- PANELIST | Polly Donaldson, DC Department of Housing and Community Development
- PANELIST | Aspasia Xypolia, Prince George's County Department of Housing and Community Development
Maximizing the Moment
Organizing in the DMV
Friday, June 24, 2021
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Register Here
Community organizers have always challenged the deep roots of injustice to push for transformative changes. From these efforts, incredible social, economic, and political growth has been achieved. In the last year, we’ve seen increased support to the vibrant and ever-growing organizing community in the DC metropolitan region.
But how do we maximize this moment and turn it into long-lasting support for grassroots organizers? Organizing DMV is a regional learning community centered on deepening funder engagement, knowledge, and support of DMV-based community organizing groups, efforts, and initiatives. Join us for a panel discussion to hear more about a new report from the group showcasing the importance of supporting regional organizing and meet organizers who are making real change in our area. This session will underscore the importance of organizing in fostering systemic change and showcase the impact organizing has at multiple levels of change-making.
Featuring:
- MODERATOR | Ericka Taylor
- PANELIST | Ingris Moran, Tenants and Workers United
- PANELIST | Byron Johns, Black and Brown Coalition for Educational Excellence and Equity/NAACP Parents Council of Montgomery County
Regional Housing Stability Series
Long Term Housing Affordability
Friday, July 2, 2021
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Register Here
Though there have been notable improvements in reducing family homelessness, the DMV has one of the nation's highest rates of unhoused residents. The unhoused population is primarily young and single people and disproportionality Black. Recent homeless census results found that regionally, 88% of homeless families are black. High housing costs and limited affordable housing stock have been significant drivers in housing instability.
Join us to explore housing as a human right and investments needed to increase the supply of affordable housing for the lowest-income households and transformative approaches to housing security to improve health and social outcomes.
- MODERATOR | David Bowers, Enterprise Community Partners
- PANELIST | Amanda Misiko Andere, Funders Together to End Homelessness
- PANELIST | Patty Fugere, Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless
- PANELIST | Jaline Gilliam, Pathways to Housing DC
- PANELIST | Michelle Krocker, Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance
Looking For Shared Office Space?
WRAG is currently seeking subtenants for our space at the Navy Yard! Do you know of a nonprofit or foundation looking for temporary office space? If interested, contact info@washingtongrantmakers.org.
WRAG Member Spotlight
Enterprise Community Partners Launches Webinar Series to Support Capacity Building in BIPOC-led Organizations
This month, Enterprise Community Partners launched a five-part webinar series to help BIPOC-led organizations expand their capacity and become better prepared to use funding and investments to preserve and create affordable homes.
This series is part of their Developer Advisory Services, one of three pillars of Equitable Path Forward (EPF). EPF is a five-year, $3.5 billion nationwide initiative to help dismantle the deeply-rooted legacy of racism in housing – from the types of homes that are built and where they’re built to who builds them and the wealth they generate.
New WRAG Member!
Graystone Consulting - Morgan Stanley
WRAG looks forward to partnering with Graystone Consulting to reimagine the future of philanthropy in the DMV!
Action & Advocacy
Montgomery Moving Forward’s (MMF) supports strengthening Early Care and Education (ECE) in Montgomery County!
Here’s how you can advocate on this critical issue!
In April, WRAG sent a letter urging the County Council to support MMF’s recommendations for a Public-Private ECE Coordinating entity that will “facilitate a full economic recovery by identifying needs and coordinating resources across the entire early childhood education sector… [and] help ensure that all aspects of reopening childcare are supported, such as coordinating all providers' vaccination and finding alternative locations for the equity hubs.”
On June 9, WRAG President and CEO, Ruth LaToison Ifill, participated in a community conversation convened by MMF to discuss community perspectives on the value this entity could bring to the county. In her remarks, she stressed the role that black and brown parents, often ignored in conversations about their children’s futures, would play in this entity’s decision-making process and in the influence it would have over programs, policies, and funding for ECE in Montgomery County.
The Montgomery County Council Health and Human Services and Education & Culture Committees will be making recommendations for funding and drafting legislation to frame the entity in June and July. It is critical that they hear that the philanthropic community is supportive of this initiative and is committed to this long-term vision for Montgomery County’s children.
You can support this effort by emailing members of the Montgomery County Council Health and Human Services (HHS) and Education & Culture (E&C) Committees
Contacts:
Councilmember Gabe Albornoz: Councilmember.Albornoz@montgomerycountymd.gov
Councilmember Evan Glass: Councilmember.Glass@montgomerycountymd.gov
Councilmember Will Jawando: Councilmember.Jawando@montgomerycountymd.gov
Councilmember Nancy Navarro: Councilmember.Navarro@montgomerycountymd.gov
Councilmember Craig Rice: Councilmember.Rice@montgomerycountymd.gov
Email Subject: Rally Round the ECE Coordinating Entity: County Council Act Now!
Message:
I/We support the creation of an Independent Public-Private Early Care and Education (ECE) Coordinating Entity, based on Montgomery Moving Forward’s recommendations. I/We believe this will be an effective framework for ensuring access to high-quality, equitable childcare for Montgomery County families and that it will help support a strong recovery. I/We ask you to draft and pass legislation to create this valuable asset to the County without delay.
Reach out to Franca Brilliant at franca@nonprofitmoco.org. with any questions!
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