Policy and Advocacy
We are reaching out to you today with an urgent call to action regarding the Covenant Homeownership Act (CHA) Trailer Bill, HB 1696. As Black Legacy Homeowners (BLHO), our mission is to preserve, protect, and empower Black homeowners in Seattle and surrounding areas, many of whom are the legacy homeowners who are the bedrock of our communities.
You may recall the significant opposition to HB 1696 during the March 19 hearing in the Senate Housing Committee. While these opposing voices are active, it’s crucial that our collective support for the Covenant Homeownership Program and the vital changes proposed in the trailer bill is heard even louder by our legislators.
The Covenant Homeownership Act is a landmark law that recognizes the long and damaging history of discriminatory housing practices in our region, practices like redlining and racially restrictive covenants. These injustices have directly hindered the ability of Black families to build generational wealth through homeownership. The Covenant Homeownership Program offers essential down payment assistance to those with direct ties to these discriminatory practices before 1968, offering a path to homeownership that was unjustly denied.
As members of Black Legacy Homeowners, we see firsthand the ongoing impact of this systemic discrimination. Our members face increasing pressures from rising property taxes, the constant threat of displacement, and the critical need for resources to maintain their homes and ensure they can be passed on to future generations. The Covenant Homeownership Program is a vital tool in directly addressing these historical inequities and promoting equitable homeownership opportunities in our communities.
We were deeply troubled by the attempts during the House Floor session on March 6 to dismantle the entire Covenant Homeownership Program. This program is a crucial step towards righting historical wrongs, and allowing it to be undermined would be a devastating blow to our community and the fight for housing justice.
Now, we need your help to ensure our voices are heard. The Covenant Homeownership Act Trailer Bill, HB 1696, is scheduled for the Senate Housing Executive Session on Wednesday, March 26th, at 10:00 am. It is critical that we flood our legislators with messages of support before this crucial session to embolden our champions in the Senate.
Here’s what you can do right now:
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Send a pre-written email in support of the CHA Trailer Bill to your legislators. We have prepared a template to make it easy for you to share your support. Please use this link to send your email: Tell our legislators to support HB 1696, the CHA Trailer Bill!
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Share the link to send the support email widely with your networks, especially other Black homeowners and allies who understand the importance of this legislation.
Your action is vital in ensuring that the Covenant Homeownership Act can continue its important work of addressing historical injustices and supporting Black homeownership in our state. Let us work together to make our voices heard and protect our legacy.
Thank you for your time, your dedication, and your crucial support.
