During the pandemic, the nation realized even more the importance of a stable home, as where we live also became the place where we accessed education, healthcare and community. But disparities loomed. 

Now, as communities and individuals work to bounce back from pandemic-related economic hardships, NeighborWorks America is hosting a symposium, "Advancing Equity for People of Color: Local Solutions for Housing Stability." The symposium will include a roundtable, panels and discussions about equitable solutions for housing stability.

In summer of 2022, when NeighborWorks America established a grant to support NeighborWorks network organizations with wealth-building programs for Black and Latino clients, there was one big change: The application was available in Spanish. Not only that, but network organizations were able, if they chose, to submit their grant application in Spanish and have it reviewed by a native speaker.

When it comes to wealth and health, it's the proverbial chicken-and-egg question, says Molly Barackman-Eder, NeighborWorks America's director of Financial Capability. "Is it health impacting wealth or wealth impacting health?" she asks. But more important than the question, she says, is the fact that the two items are inextricably linked; for a successful outcome, you need both health and wealth management. 

When it comes to wealth and health, it's the proverbial chicken-and-egg question, says Molly Barackman-Eder, NeighborWorks America's director of Financial Capability. "Is it health impacting wealth or wealth impacting health?" she asks. But more important than the question, she says, is the fact that the two items are inextricably linked; for a successful outcome, you need both health and wealth management. 

David and Linda Kling lived in a two-bedroom home they'd owned for just shy of 18 years. That's where they were when they heard the news broadcast about a fire in the canyon. They gathered a few items for themselves and their pets. At 9:20 p.m., they fled.
 
"What was normally a 20-minute drive took us five hours," Linda says. "Everyone was evacuating." When they returned home weeks later, there was nothing left. David could smell the melted vinyl from his record collection. His recording equipment was charred beyond recognition.
 

David and Linda Kling lived in a two-bedroom home they'd owned for just shy of 18 years. That's where they were when they heard the news broadcast about a fire in the canyon. They gathered a few items for themselves and their pets. At 9:20 p.m., they fled.
 
"What was normally a 20-minute drive took us five hours," Linda says. "Everyone was evacuating." When they returned home weeks later, there was nothing left. David could smell the melted vinyl from his record collection. His recording equipment was charred beyond recognition.
 

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