Housing Advocate Summit: Advancing Renters’ Rights and Equity in Housing – Day 1

Register here: https://forms.gle/HWr9ddRPWGTrdnAm7
*Signing up through this form is not required to attend, but it is helpful!

In Nebraska, the housing crisis is a stark reality for many, with 89% of extremely low-income renters unable to afford even basic housing. Affordable housing remains a distant dream for a quarter of the state’s renters, and across all income levels, a wage of $20.32 per hour is required just to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment. This is not just about numbers; it’s about the lived experiences of countless renters who face insurmountable barriers to safe, accessible, and affordable housing.We are strongest when we work together, so join us to strengthen our community as advocates and build our collective knowledge as we continue to advocate for justice in housing. 

This event is dedicated to being a welcoming and inclusive space, amplifying the experiences of folks who are most impacted by the housing crisis. We know that it takes all of us from across the social change ecosystem to reach the positive housing futures we seek, and in our current society, it is most frequently the voices of those with the most resources whose perspectives are tended to. Together, we will strive to uplift the voices of those who aren’t always heard— renters, Black, indigenous, and people of color, survivors of domestic violence, single parents, immigrants, LGBTQ+ community members, low-income folks, formerly-incarcerated individuals, and those with disabilities. Your presence is vital. Please let us know how we can support your participation, including any accommodations you may need.

We will have Spanish interpreters and childcare available to ensure everyone can take part.

Workshops will include: 

• Learnings from tenant unions 
• How to Make Your Voice Heard in Nebraska’s State Legislature 
• Renter’s Rights Training 
• Art for Advocacy 
• Presentation from the Tenant Assistance Project 
• Coffee Hour with Senators 
• Advocate Speed Chatting 
• Organizing 101
• And more!

We will also have opportunities for community building and community care such as resource sharing, get to know each other activities, group walks, shared meals, and more!

Regarding COVID-19 and community care: If you are feeling unwell or have been in close contact with someone who is feeling unwell, please stay home. Likewise, if you suspect that you have contracted or been exposed to COVID-19, please stay home. COVID-19 is a threat to the safety and wellbeing of all people, but especially for disabled, immunocompromised, and folks with high risk factors. These communities are also disproportionately impacted by many of the housing issues our group seeks to address, so let’s keep their safety in mind. Collective Impact Lincoln will provide KN95 masks to participants who wish to wear them to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.

View information here to view bus routes to UNL East Union: https://parking.unl.edu/city-east-campus-routes

Contact Lizzie Turner with any questions, feedback, accessibility needs & to join our Housing Advocate listserv: lturner@neappleseed.org