Public housing – it’s something most of us don’t think about. That is, until we need it. Or someone we know needs it. I’m thrilled to partner with ReThink: Why Housing Matters to bring awareness to public housing and invite you to a film screening on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 of “Our Journey Home,” a documentary that sheds light on real-life stories of people touched by public housing as they strive to support their families, further their education and careers, give back to their communities, and have a place to call home.
Here are five reasons to rethink public housing stereotypes:
1. Everyone deserves a decent and safe place to live.
Having a place to live is a basic need, yet so many find it out of reach. There are approximately 2.2 million people across the U.S. that already benefit from public housing, but more than half a million people are still on waiting lists.
2. It supports families.
Almost half of all Americans (146 million) are classified as low-income or below the poverty line. In fact, a wage of $20.30 per hour is necessary to afford an average two bedroom rental, nationally, while the national average hourly wage is $15.42, and the federal minimum wage is $7.25. Note: This is nationally, rental rates in LA are much higher!
3. It builds communities.
Public housing was established to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Research from the ReThink initiative shows that the American public recognizes the need for supportive housing, yet is uncertain about its success and impact. Consider the people and families in your own community who could be served by affordable and public housing.
4. It fosters education.
Having a stable home enables everyone, from high school seniors to adults, to pursue higher education and a promising career path. Services like continuing education classes and daycare give public housing residents the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.
5. It provides stability.
Affordable and public housing offers more than a roof over someone’s head. It provides the stability a father needs to develop job skills or a mom needs to earn a college degree, and it provides services for veterans, our disabled and our seniors.
With high poverty rates and joblessness in the U.S., there is a shortage of affordable and public housing to meet critical needs. To make the situation even worse, many Americans don’t understand the role of supportive housing or the acute need for more of it.
Here’s how you can help!
Join us for an official event with The LA Girl Society where we will be attending the film screening of “Our Journey Home.” RSVP in the Meetup group or the Facebook event page. All are welcome to join!
Tickets have to be purchased by Wednesday, December 6, 2017 for this screening to happen, so get your tickets now!
WHEN: Wednesday, December 13th
WHERE: Rave Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza 15 – 4020 Marlton Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90008
TIME: 7:30-8:55 p.m.
EVENT DETAILS: Documentary screening of Our Journey Home followed by a panel of public housing experts and/or residents who will take questions from the audience and open up the floor to a conversation about the housing crisis in Los Angeles and the rest of the country.
TICKET PRICE: $10
Reserve a ticket and donate now at https://www.tugg.com/events/our-journey-home-ws1z
ReThink is a national awareness initiative that encourages Americans to realize the benefits that affordable and public housing offer individuals, families, and the greater community. Visit www.ReThinkHousing.org to learn more.
This post is sponsored by ReThink: Why Housing Matters, all opinions are my own.
