Racial inequity permeates every part of America's social fabric – and housing is no exception.
At Enterprise, we believe that racial equity is both a practice of how we engage in our work, and an outcome in which race does not predict one's success.
We believe that racial equity improves outcomes for all. In our efforts to achieve racial equity, we strive to:
- Identify and acknowledge systemic racial disparities, both historic and current
- Adopt an inclusive and equitable approach to community engagement that elevates the priorities of the individuals and organizations in the communities where we work
- Ensure equitable access to opportunities and promotion of self-determination
- Focus investments to mitigate the consequences of systemic racism
Dismantling the enduring legacy of systemic racism in housing – in policy, practice and investment – has become central to the work we do, and our partnerships with adjacent sectors are essential to creating more equitable outcomes.
The Ongoing Journey to Dismantle Systemic Racism
Systems transformation is central to all our efforts to achieve racial equity. We advocate for nonpartisan solutions ending the policies and patterns that continue to shape where people live and their access to opportunity. By listening to and working together with our residents, employees and partners, we are investing in the systemic changes we want to see in our country.
- Read personal stories from our employees on how the movement for racial justice has impacted their work
- Read our latest research on racial disparities in housing during Covid-19
- Learn about Undesign the Redline, our interactive exhibit designed to highlight the roots of structural racism and inequality
Supporting Communities of Color & Reducing Disparities
Community partners face greater challenges than ever amid a pandemic that disproportionately affects people and communities of color. Our grants and programs help meet residents' and communities' immediate needs during Covid-19, and offer resources and support as they innovate and scale long-term solutions.
- Learn about our Emergency Action for Resident and Partner Stability grant program and how it provides emergency relief, rapidly directing funding to support communities of color
- See our Section 4 grants to strengthen community-based organizations, including rural and Native American organizations
- Read the publication our own Jacqueline Waggoner has contributed to on Black homelessness and systemic racism in Southern California: Report on Black People Experiencing Homelessness in L.A.
- See how we are working to advance upward mobility for people of color
Fighting for Fair Housing
The Fair Housing Act was enacted in 1968, but many Black and brown families still face housing discrimination today. Although the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule we fought to protect was abruptly rescinded, we'll continue to advocate for fair housing and equitable, inclusive communities.
- Read our responses to the AFFH repeal and the Administration's comments about fair housing lowering property values, and why we need diversity in communities
- See our opposition to the Administration's proposed rule repealing protections at federally funded homeless shelters for transgender people – individuals who already face increased risks of homelessness, especially people of color who are transgender
- Learn the ways we’re growing our understanding of how a racial equity lens can create policy solutions leading to equitable outcomes, such as source-of-income protections, equitable land use decisions, property tax law and eviction prevention.
- Find out how our on-the-ground advisory teams deliver consulting and technical assistance to foster civic engagement and fair housing