September 27, 2024
Contact: Debra Freeman, [email protected], 757-452-1143
Norfolk Vision Now Coalition Holds Housing Crisis Forum
Norfolk, Va. - Community members are gathering for the launch of Norfolk Vision Now, a coalition made up of community members from New Virginia Majority, Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia, Sierra Club Chesapeake Bay Group, NAACP Norfolk Branch, Norfolk GAINS, GEAR Recovery, and the Women League of Voters of South Hampton Roads. On October 1, 2024 at 6 p.m. at the Jordan-Newby Library (1425 Norchester Avenue, Norfolk, Va.), participating groups will hold a discussion on the housing crisis in Hampton Roads.
The Norfolk Vision Now platform has clear housing demands: use existing state law to incentivize more housing inventory for those making 50% or less of the area median income and to create a community-advised fair housing “mystery shopper” program within the department of Housing and Community Development to remove discriminatory housing practices.
The Norfolk Vision Now coalition will hold three issue forums on October 1, October 9, and October 17 to discuss concerns around housing, government accountability, and education and mental health.
NVM organizer Carl Poole said, “This is a new way to think about introducing policy priorities for the city. This neighborhood-driven, created from the ideas and priorities of everyday people to present to their greater community. It’s thoughtfully articulated policy coming from the mouths of Norfolk’s working class residents to the ears of elected leaders.”
“Affordable housing for the lowest income residents ensures that there will be housing available for the largest possible population of residents, especially considering that Virginia has one of the three most expensive housing markets in the country,” said Will Harden, a NVM member.
For an overview of the Norfolk Vision Now platform and the issue forums, visit norfolkvisionnow.crd.co.
To speak with an NVM organizer or to speak with a member, contact Debra Freeman at [email protected] or 757-452-1143.
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New Virginia Majority builds power in working-class communities of color, in immigrant communities, among LGBTQ people, women, youth, and progressives across the Commonwealth. We organize for racial and economic justice through large-scale political education, mobilization and advocacy around dozens of issues. We fight for a Virginia that is just, democratic and environmentally sustainable. For more information, visit our website and follow us on Twitter and Facebook at @NewVAMajority.