The Goodnewspaper The Home Edition

In therapy recently. I've been using the metaphor of a house to work through some big feelings. I like to imagine hanging up compliments and good memories in ornate picture frames to give them significance, metaphorically opening the windows when I need to clear negative thought patterns from within, visualizing the beauty and challenge of owning the completely unique (and sometimes totally dysfunctional) space I occupy. Now, that's a big metaphor (and reminds me a little of the plot of “Inception”), but I think it carries a universal significance that has led me to even more fully understand the value of home. Whether “home” is defined to you as a feeling, a safe space, a DIY project, or a social and political action, there is a story in this newspaper…

When Ofo Ezeugwu was a college student, he heard countless horror stories from students trying to find affordable apartments near campus. So, he created WhoseYourLandlord (WYL), a platform where folks can submit and read landlord reviews for free. “We use the possessive form of the word ‘who’ because we're giving our community ownership of their living situations… bringing transparency, equity, and humanity to the everyday interactions between residents and home providers,” the WYL website reads. According to the Pew Research Center, younger Americans (under age 35), as well as Black and Hispanic communities, are most likely to rent in the U.S. The entire mission of WYL is to “learn before you lease,” putting the power back in the hands of vulnerable renters, who may otherwise be taken advantage of. WYL…

We all have inherent biases when it comes to the stories of others. However, it's not just those biases that impact who we are, but how we respond to them and hold ourselves accountable. The Housing Narrative Lab (HNL) is one organization that is taking our preconceived notions about housing and homelessness and changing the narrative. Natali Fani-González, Communications Director for HNL, said that homelessness is an issue countless communities face, yet there is very little guidance on how advocates and policymakers can use these experiences to create meaningful solutions. “As communicators, we know that in order to win housing justice for everyone, we must build narrative power,” Fani-González said. “That means challenging the status quo about people experiencing homelessness with the real, nuanced stories about who is homeless and…

Finland is the only European country where homelessness is decreasing, and it's thanks to the nation's innovative Housing First approach. “There can be a number of reasons as to why someone ends up homeless, including sudden job loss or family breakdown, severe substance abuse or mental health problems,” the World Economic Forum reports. “But most homelessness policies work on the premise that the homeless person has to sort those problems out first before they can get permanent accommodation. Finland does the opposite — it gives them a home first.” The approach was launched in 2007 and has since eradicated the need for homeless shelters in Finland. Finland used its existing social housing and also bought flats from the private market to provide homes. “There is ample evidence from many countries…

GOOD Learn more about the history of the housing crisis in America. We'd recommend reading “Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City” by Matthew Desmond to get started. BETTER Donate to help fund equitable, affordable housing in your area. Check out the National Low lncome Housing Coalition to learn about housing needs by state and find local partners to support. nlihc.org/housing-needs-by-state BEST Perhaps you're a renter who can start a tenant's union, or a contractor who can donate work to various housing proj ects. However, everyone can advocate for legislative action. Visit nlihc.org/take-action to get started.…

WE HAVE GOOD NEWS When Harry Styles released his album “Harry's House” in May 2022, fans were quick to pack their boxes and move in. The theme of home repeats throughout Styles’ 13-track record. However, it's not the “tea and toast” that have us making ourselves at home — but Styles’ commitment to humanitarian aid. After appearing in an Apple commercial, advertising the brand's AirPods, to the tune of his song “Music For A Sushi Restaurant,” Styles donated his appearance fee to the International Rescue Committee (IRC). The IRC is a global humanitarian aid organization and is currently responding to over six million refugees fleeing Ukraine. Following the donation, the IRC tweeted in gratitude to Styles and Apple. “Working in more than 40 countries, your support will help us reach…