Repairing Homes, Rebuilding Communities: A Call for Equity

As we honor Black History Month, it's essential to acknowledge the longstanding systemic barriers faced by Black households (and Black communities at large). While homeownership has long been recognized as a primary pathway to wealth-building, many Black families continue to be disproportionately affected by discriminatory practices that limit their ability to purchase, maintain/repair, insure, and recover from disasters. These challenges are not isolated but part of a broader history of racial inequity in housing, that persists today. 

While homeownership is often referred to as the American Dream, it's only one step in a much longer journey. Achieving true equity requires equal access and comprehensive support to sustain homeownership long after the purchase—addressing ongoing challenges like home insurance, maintenance, repairs, and disaster recovery.

At the Coalition for Home Repair, we are committed to addressing these inequities and ensuring that all homeowners, especially those in historically marginalized communities, have the support and resources they need to not only preserve their homes, but to age in place with dignity, remaining in the communities they've built roots in. 

Racial Disparities in Home Ownership & Improvement

• As of 2021, Black homeowners live in inadequate homes at nearly double the rate of White homeowners, with 5.7 percent of Black homeowners living in these homes. (See FIGURE 1 below).
  • The same report highlights that Black homeowners have the highest average annual utility cost burden (6.6%-Black compared to 4.9%-White).
• Even after controlling for household, property, and neighborhood characteristics, Black, Hispanic, and other nonwhite homeowners still have lower-value homes.
  • The same report: race and physical condition remained significant factors influencing a property's value, with Black households and homes in poor condition associated with lower property values (Neal et al, 2021).
• According to Urban Institute, approximately 76 percent of Hispanic households, 69 percent of Black households and 56 percent of Other households of color that own real estate do not have a will or trust.
• Research shows that lenders deny manufactured home loans to Black applicants at much higher rates than White applicants, blocking many Black buyers from accessing one of the nation's most affordable homeownership options.

Figure 1. Share of Homeowners Living in Inadequate Housing by Race (Urban Institute)

Altadena: A Call To Action

Recognized as one of Southern California's most historic and significant Black communities, Altadena, California, has been a home to many Black families for several decades. By 2023, 81% of Black residents in Altadena were homeowners -- almost twice the national average. These homes are more than just property; they are symbols of generational wealth, resilience, and cultural identity, says Devita Davison (Coalition for Home Repair Board Member and Advocacy Partner). Tragically, the recent fires have destroyed not only homes but also the legacies tied to them. 

Devita Davison, further underscores the urgency of this moment:

“The systemic inequities revealed in Altadena demand our attention. The lack of affordable fire insurance, delays in evacuation, and the potential for predatory redevelopment are all urgent issues. While the fires have devastated many communities, Altadena represents a specific and critical loss: the erosion of Black generational wealth and cultural history.”

In the face of these challenges, it's essential that we work toward equitable recovery efforts to rebuild Black communities like Altadena, preserving their legacy for generations to come. These efforts must help address the urgent issues that Devita highlights, such as the lack of affordable home insurance and the looming threat of predatory redevelopment. 

The Coalition for Home Repair recognizes the enduring effects of systemic racism and inequitable access to resources that low-income communities of color disproportionately face. In response to that, we advocate to elevate the need for equitable disaster recovery, home repair and modification programs so that all (not just some) homeowners can realize the benefits of homeownership. In cases like Altadena, this means rallying the necessary support and providing communities with resources they need to rebuild, recover, and thrive with dignity. 

Opportunities to continue this conversation: 

1. Register for our Housing Preservation Advocacy Learning Series, where we feature presenters and spotlight organizations that delve into specific topics related to home repair advocacy. Our first webinar of 2025 will highlight a Center for Independent Living, The Ability Center in northwest Ohio. 
2. Consider following along and participating in our advocacy journey by signing up for updates here. Our next Housing Preservation Collaborative Solutions Group meets on Monday, March 10 at 2pm eastern. You may register here.