Join the Fight! Defend Our Housing Justice Gains!

Dear Friends of Housing Justice Center,

As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we reflect on the urgent need to address the challenges facing fair housing and tenant protections in the coming years. With the recent election results indicating a shift in federal leadership, statewide and local housing justice work has become more important than ever in safeguarding renters' rights, promoting equitable housing practices, and building power with communities to fortify their rights. 

WE NEED YOUR HELP! 

This year on Give to the Max Day, in the face of federal attempts to dismantle decades of civil rights progress, we're rallying our community to fight for housing justice.

The first $1,000 we raise through Thursday, November 21, 2024 will be matched dollar-for-dollar by our generous anonymous supporters. 

Donate before midnight Thursday to help us unlock this match!

The threat to fair housing under the new administration is significant. We expect to see rollbacks of federal protections and decreased enforcement or abolishment of anti-discrimination rules. The erosion of these vital safeguards disproportionately impacts vulnerable communities' access to housing that is safe, stable, accessible, and free from discriminatory barriers.

WHY SUPPORT US?

Recent victories that the Housing Justice Center (HJC) has championed have made a transformative impact on tenant rights and housing equity in Minnesota. These significant achievements not only reflect our commitment to justice but also demonstrate our success in advocating for communities most impacted by structural discrimination in our housing system. 

• Monetary Recovery for low-income families: In 2024 alone, our clients received over $2 million in compensation and debt forgiveness from judgments and settlements.
• Enforcing Rent Stabilization: We have successfully defended tenants against violations of this critical ordinance, ensuring that new rights on the books are tangible and enforceable for renters.
• Statewide Right to Organize for Renters: We fought for and secured a statewide right to organize for renters with the Equity in Place coalition, introducing stronger penalties against retaliation, ensuring tenants can advocate for their rights without fear. 
• Strengthening Resident Associations: Our efforts enhanced resident associations within Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and manufactured home communities, providing essential support for residents facing evictions, rights violations, and discrimination. 
• Educational Resources for Tenant Organizing: We published the MN Renter’s Guide to Tenant Organizing in Partnership with HOME Line, offering comprehensive information to help tenants build effective resident associations, and understand and powerfully advocate for their rights.  
• Legal Case Victories: Our legal team has used a range of consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental laws to ensure that renters and manufactured homeowners are being treated fairly and that violation of rights has consequences, reinforcing our role as a formidable advocate in the court system. 
• Addressing Affordable Housing Challenges: From challenging NIMBY opposition to affordable housing development, to partnering with organizations across Greater Minnesota to highlight the unique needs of rural communities, to working with people with lived experience of housing instability and homelessness to address systematic barriers to housing access, HJC partners with communities to advance housing justice.

These accomplishments are not just milestones; they are critical steps toward ensuring that all Minnesotans have access to dignified housing free from discrimination. As we move forward, we remain committed to building on this momentum and continuing our fight for housing justice.

OUR GOAL

In honor of our anniversary, we aim to raise $10,000 to enhance our efforts in protecting renters and manufactured homeowners most vulnerable to displacement and discrimination. In these uncertain times, your support is crucial for preserving fair housing for all. This funding will bolster our administrative, legal, policy, and community organizing capacities.

The Housing Justice Center employs a unique approach that combines impact litigation, community organizing, research, policy advocacy, and education to create lasting change. Our ongoing work is vital in countering the threats posed by weakened tools and institutions that support housing justice for Minnesotans. Your support on Give to the Max Day will enable us to continue this essential work, ensuring we remain a powerful voice for housing justice in Minnesota, regardless of federal changes.

Every contribution is important! Your gift of $10, $25, $75, $250 or any other amount helps us build thriving communities and protects Minnesotans most at risk of displacement and rights violations, safeguarding our state's progress even as federal protections may weaken. Together, we can make a significant impact and ensure Minnesota remains a leader in housing justice.