Harnessing community-led structural reform in the U.S. housing sector for disaster resilience in Black communities
June 18, 2024 by The article discusses how climate change-induced disasters pose new risks to property values, homeowner security, and affordable housing preservation, especially in Black-majority neighborhoods that are more vulnerable due to poor quality housing and infrastructure. It emphasizes the importance of community-driven approaches to housing reform, such as the Struggle for Miami’s Affordable and Sustainable Housing (SMASH) and the Jane Place Neighborhood Sustainability Initiative (JPNSI), which empower residents to have a say in housing decisions and improve resilience against climate disasters. Strategies used include community land trusts and policy advocacy. The need for structural reform in the housing sector is underlined as a crucial element for supporting Black communities, framing housing as a vehicle for social equity to reduce the adverse impacts of climate-related disasters and prevent displacement.