Roadmap

Objectives:

1. Legal Advocacy and Support: 

- Establish a network of pro bono attorneys to assist residents with housing-related legal issues. 

- File strategic lawsuits against housing authorities and landlords engaging in discriminatory practices. 

- Provide legal education workshops for residents on their housing rights. 

2. Emergency Assistance: 

- Create an emergency fund to assist with rent, deposits, or temporary housing for displaced residents. 

- Establish partnerships with local hotels and landlords for emergency housing options. - Develop a rapid response team to assist residents facing immediate eviction or lockout. 

3. Community Organizing and Education: 

- Conduct regular know-your-rights workshops in public housing communities. - Train community members to become housing rights advocates and organizers. - Establish a mentorship program pairing experienced activists with new community leaders.

4. Policy Reform: 

- Draft and advocate for local and state legislation to strengthen tenant protections. - Lobby for increased funding for public housing and affordable housing initiatives. - Push for reforms in how housing authorities calculate rent and apply disability deductions. 

5. Public Awareness and Media Engagement: 

- Launch a public awareness campaign about housing discrimination and tenant rights. - Develop relationships with local media to ensure coverage of housing issues. - Create a strong social media presence to share stories and mobilize support. 

6. Financial Empowerment: 

- Provide financial literacy workshops for residents. 

- Offer assistance with budgeting and navigating public benefits. 

- Develop partnerships with credit counseling services. 

7. Health and Wellness Support: 

- Coordinate with healthcare providers to ensure residents have access to necessary medical care. 

- Advocate for reasonable accommodations for disabled residents. 

- Provide mental health resources and support for residents dealing with housing stress. 

8. Political Engagement: 

- Conduct voter registration drives in public housing communities. 

- Organize candidate forums focused on housing issues. 

- Mobilize residents to participate in local government meetings and hearings. 

9. Coalition Building: 

- Form alliances with other social justice organizations, labor unions, and faith groups. - Collaborate with academic institutions for research on housing issues. 

- Partner with national housing advocacy groups for broader impact. 

10. Organizational Sustainability: 

- Develop diverse funding streams including grants, individual donations, and potentially social enterprise. 

- Implement fair compensation practices for staff and community leaders. - Create a leadership pipeline to ensure long-term sustainability of the movement.