The lack of affordable housing and access to homeownership remains a key barrier to racial equity. People of color are at the highest risk for eviction, and the impacts of COVID-19 are widening housing instability for these individuals.[1] Additionally, lower income communities of color are less likely to have access to resources (quality local schools, grocery stores, transportation, employment, parks) or a safe environment (e.g., higher proximity to toxic waste, increased pollution and crime). This limits wellbeing, upward mobility and economic opportunity. Homeownership rates are 25 percent lower for Black and Latino families, and as rents continue to rise, Black and Latino households are more likely to be cost burdened than White households. Affordable housing and homeownership are the cornerstone to promoting inclusive, equitable neighborhoods.
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[1] McCargo, Alanna and Greene, Solomon, new-data-suggest-covid-19-widening-housing-disparities-race-and-income, Blog post May 29, 2020