“Clearing a criminal conviction is a pathway to stabilizing your life for employment, economic vitality, and it’s also a key part [of] public safety,” said Tinisch Hollins, Executive Director for Californians for Safety and Justice, on KTVU. Earlier this week, CSJ held the Vallejo Record Expungement and Resource Fair aiming to provide residents with an immediate path toward re-entering the workforce. Learn more in this Times Herald Online article and here. 

Families in Valdosta are facing a growing housing crisis as rising rents outpace stagnant wages, leaving nearly one in three families in poverty, hundreds on affordable housing waiting lists, and many residents unable to meet strict rental requirements. Black to the Future Action Fund says the crisis reflects a disconnect between policymakers and working families, particularly on the city’s historically underserved south side. B2F, alongside partner Climate Power, is pushing to eliminate predatory rental barriers, expand affordable housing, and address rising insurance costs by urging local and state leaders to prioritize policies that reflect the real economic challenges facing Georgia families. Read more in this WTXL report. 

As part of its national Leading the Way tour, Cities United stopped in Jackson, Mississippi, bringing young adults in together for a two-day workshop focused on creating opportunities and pathways to thrive. Anthony Smith, Executive Director of Cities United, reported that “the young people were saying people get into crime and other things because they don’t have other opportunities, so how do we make sure that Jackson creates ways for these young people to thrive?” Learn more about their stop in Jackson in this WAPT report and watch the WJTV 12 News report below.