The gender inequities in our employment systems, the woefully inadequate federal minimum wage, and the shortage of homes accessible, affordable, and available to families with the lowest incomes make it hard for women and LGBTQIA+ people to afford housing.
Not only do women, especially women of color, struggle to afford housing, but they also still face housing discrimination. Ripple effects from the racist and sexist housing policies that have existed since this country’s founding, including the colonization and dispossession of Indigenous communities and land and the continued denial of homeownership to Black people after slavery ended, continue to negatively impact women of color today.
The discriminatory roots of housing policy have profound impacts on women, LGBTQIA+ people, and families. When people spend too much on housing, they have insufficient resources for other essential needs. This issue brief underscores how housing is foundational to the lives of women, LGBTQIA+ people, and families through its connection to health, child care, education, nutrition, employment, transportation, and environmental justice.
For a one-pager on the report, click here.