As our nation fights deeply entrenched racism, we are reminded of the many ways inequity plays out in so many parts of our world, including our rural communities, especially in this time of COVID-19.
We invite you to join us for two livestream conversations on June 9th and June 16th at 2pm ET about rural housing challenges and opportunities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The conversations are co-hosted by the Rural Assembly, the Daily Yonder, and the Housing Assistance Council. Find out more information and sign up below
Tuesday, June 9 at 2pm EST
Part 1: What was the rural housing landscape like before COVID-19 and where are we now?
While Coronavirus relief may have delayed its arrival in rural America, the fact is, it is now a nationwide problem. Have policymakers and the public recognized this? Is rural America being left behind when crafting solutions. Rural hospital closures, bank branch closures, an aged housing stock and poor transportation connections have laid the groundwork for a disproportionately heavy impact in persistent poverty areas. For example, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Housing Service programs, which serve more than half a million rural Americans, received no supplemental funding in the CARES Act to mitigate the difficulties unemployment and quarantines have on paying the rent/mortgage. Rural programs do receive additional funding in the House’s HEROES bill, however that bill faces the threat of Presidential veto.Panelists include:
- David Lipsetz, CEO Housing Assistance Council, Moderator
- Presentation on COVID in rural data by Lance George, Director, Research and Information, Housing Assistance Council
- Myra Martinez, Deputy Director- Operations, Affordable Homes South Texas, Inc.
- Paola A. Gutíerrez, MHA, Rural Health Action Plan Lead Strategist, South Carolina Office of Rural Health
- Sarah Grymes, Executive Director, Housing Assistance Corporation
Tuesday, June 16 at 2pm EST
Part 2: Has the government’s response been adequate?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Housing Service programs, which serve more than half a million rural Americans, received no supplemental funding in the CARES Act. They do receive additional funding in the House’s HEROES bill, however that bill faces the threat of Presidential veto. While Coronavirus relief may have delayed its arrival in rural America, the fact is, it is now a nationwide problem. Policymakers should not leave rural America behind when crafting solutions.
The second conversation will feature an analysis and breakdown of existing rural housing funding and a look at which programs should be prioritized in this pandemic.Panelists include:
- David Lipsetz, CEO Housing Assistance Council, Moderator
- Samantha Booth, Government Relations Manager, Housing Assistance Council; rural housing and federal appropriations policy expert.
- Bill Bynum, HOPE Credit Union
- Dave Castillo, Native Community Capital
- Mark Kudlowitz, LISC
Let us know you’ll participate! Fill out this quick form below.
