Everyone has been affected by the global public health crisis and the accompanying economic shocks. Everyone has been forced to consider the fundamental importance of home -- of having safe, decent and affordable shelter
Habitat for Humanity International is developing a series of discussions on housing in the times of COVID-19 and the worldwide reaction to the killing of George Floyd. These talks will feature affiliate leaders, external experts and HFHI leadership. These discussions will highlight the importance of Habitat’s work and the challenges and opportunities we face.
A message from Habitat International CEO, Jonathan Reckford
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+You How historic housing discrimination against Black Americans contributes to racial inequities today
This discussion focuses on the history of anti-Black racism and government-sponsored segregation in housing in the United States, and how that history is fundamental to issues of housing and equity today.
Featuring:
Richard Rothstein, author of The Color of Law, Distinguished Fellow of the Economic Policy Institute and a Senior Fellow (emeritus) at the Thurgood Marshall Institute of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund
Alexi McCammond, political reporter for Axios
Dwayne Spencer, president and CEO of Habitat Greater Memphis
U.S. Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island, Habitat for Humanity International CEO Jonathan Reckford will discuss the need for congressional support of housing stability during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, including Sen. Reed’s legislation to establish the Housing Assistance Fund, which is directly aligned with the goals of Habitat for Humanity’s Cost of Home campaign. Sen. Reed will also provide updates on the status of discussions in Congress to provide further economic relief to the American people.
U.S. Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island
Julián Castro, former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International
Melissa Sanzaro, Executive Director of the Providence Housing Authority
Catherine Chabot, Habitat for Humanity homeowner
Featuring:
This discussion focuses on UN Sustainable Development Goal 11 and COVID-19's impact on adequate housing and sustainable cities around the world. Panelists will touch on the ways the pandemic has revealed housing to be the front line of defense against COVID-19 and added urgency to efforts to upgrade informal settlements in cities around the globe. This conversation is particularly timely because it comes on the heels of the UN’s High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), an annual update on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Featuring:
Eugénie L. Birch, Nussdorf Professor of Urban Research at the University of Pennsylvania
Anacláudia Rossbach, Regional Manager for Latin America and the Caribbean, Cities Alliance
Patrick Canagasingham, COO of Habitat for Humanity International
In this discussion, Jonathan Reckford (Habitat CEO) engages in conversation with professional athletes who share their stories and the role that their Habitat homes played in their personal and professional success.
Featuring:
A.D Franch U.S. Women’s National Team goalkeeper and World Cup Champion
Malcolm Mitchell Wide Receiver, New England Patriots Retired, Super Bowl Champion and Founder & CEO, Share the Magic Foundation
Isaiah Roby Forward for the Oklahoma City Thunder)
Maria Taylor ESPN Host & Reporter
Seniors have been uniquely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this discussion, we will hear from experts about the challenges that older Americans are facing, as well as discuss holistic approaches that have been taken to address senior care during the pandemic.
Featuring:
Dr. Alice Bonner, director of strategic partnerships for CAPABLE and adjunct faculty, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing
John Feather, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, Grantmakers In Aging
Jonathan Reckford, CEO, Habitat for Humanity International
Janice Watkins, CEO, Topeka Habitat for Humanity