Philanthropy Won’t Make Headway on Racial Justice Without Tackling Housing Justice

In the past five months that have seemed like an eternity, philanthropy has faced a reckoning on the deep racial inequities that plague society and our institutions at all levels.

The response from philanthropy has been swift and bold, especially given that grant makers are typically cautious and more comfortable with words like “equity” than “justice.” Already, companies, individual donors, and foundations have made statements of solidarity with the racial-justice movement and donated at least $5 billion, more than the previous 11 years combined.

But few of these efforts have recognized that we can’t put an end to racism until we create a more just housing system: A stable place to call home is necessary for learning, maintaining employment, being healthy, feeling safe, and building strong family and community life.

However, the history of racism and white supremacy in the United States is completely intertwined with access to land and housing, as seen in the longstanding pattern of official government policies to deny, steal, and devalue the property of people who were enslaved and their descendants.

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Source: The Chronicle of Philanthropy