April Parker on The Word Podcast with Jackie Rae. - Photo by Dajuana Jones

In 1969, Civil Rights leaders created a community land trust as a way to secure access to land for African American families. Now, the city of Long Beach is hoping a similar model will provide some relief from the homelessness and affordable housing crisis.

Tenants advocacy group Long Beach Residents Empowered is hoping to create a Housing for All Long Beach Community Land Trust. The trust would tentatively purchase an existing apartment or mixed-use building, and lease out its units while maintaining ownership of the land itself.

According to its website, the city of Long Beach is seeking a qualified organization with experience in affordable housing, and trust among residents and neighborhood organizations, to establish and operate a Community Land Trust Program. Organizations have until 11 a.m. on January 31, 2023, to submit their applications.

One of the organizations that plans to apply is the April Parker Foundation, a community-based nonprofit organization that has provided services to unhoused and underserved communities since 2018. Founder April Parker says the land trust is an exciting opportunity to ensure housing for all in the coming years.

On today’s “The Word” podcast, Parker explains why her foundation is submitting an application and why she is excited about what the future holds when it comes to addressing housing insecurities.

To donate, volunteer, to learn more about the April Parker Foundation you can visit their website here.

Here the audio version of the podcast here.

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