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Regional Housing Legal Services

@rhlspa.bsky.social
203 followers 545 following 378 posts

A nonprofit law firm with unique expertise in affordable, sustainable housing and its related components (reposts do not indicate endorsement).

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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
"It is one of the central paradoxes of the nation’s housing crisis: The affordable homes that lower-income renters need most tend to be the costliest to build. Colorado is an exception." buff.ly/0O9jFmM
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Making Affordable Housing Affordable to Build
In too many places it costs more to build than market-rate homes. Colorado is an exception, thanks to an array of policies that bring down costs.
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
The point-in-time count, known as PIT, is a way to gauge the homeless population year over year. But capturing the youth population can be tricky, so investigators changed their approach. Read more: buff.ly/ycaXIsz
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L.A. County Tests a New Approach To Counting Homeless Youth: Relying on Youth Themselves
The approach — known as respondent-driven sampling — has been used to estimate homeless populations in Washington’s King County since 2022.
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Join us in welcoming Ashaa Simmons, who joins us as a Delaware Public Allies Americorps Apprentice. Ashaa will be with us for one year, working on outreach and communications. Read more on our website: buff.ly/c2tzIiG
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Welcome Ashaa Simmons, Public Ally. - RHLS Website
On September 14, we welcomed Ashaa Simmons, Delaware Public Allies Americorps Apprentice. Ashaa Simmons is a Partnership Expansion Coordinator with 13 years of professional leadership experience and…
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Good morning and happy Monday! Don't forget that PHARE applications are open, your organization can submit an RFP to the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency up to 2pm on 11/19/26. Read more about PHARE: buff.ly/qyg84qP
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https://www.ncsha.org/hfa-news/phfa-issues-rfp-for-phare-funding-to-support-local-housing-initiatives-6/?utm_source=NCSHA&utm_campaign=1bb697174b-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_12_12_03_44_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f00bc192e4-1bb697174b-297003889
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
RHLS is proud to have been part of the development team that created these 34 homes, which are helping address the need for more supportive housing across the Commonwealth. buff.ly/z6qXPKb
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Notice of Privacy
Because you are coming from a location (Virginia) covered by a Privacy Law, many of the features of TribLIVE.com, like videos and social media elements are disabled. If you wish to proceed to the…
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
When tenant protections are weak, predatory landlords can find ways to use the eviction process to charge fees. Manufactured home communities are particularly at risk. Read more from Oklahoma: buff.ly/gcWtRmH
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Serial Evictions, Rent-to-Own Deals and $58 Filing Fees: How a Colorado Company Profits From Oklahoma's Weak Tenant Laws - Oklahoma Watch
Westmoor Mobile Home Park in southwest Oklahoma City filed 160 of the 167 evictions in its ZIP code last year, making it Oklahoma City's seventh-highest evictor. One resident has had seven evictions…
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
We're growing! join us in welcoming our newest staff attorney, Gillian Perez! She will be in the Philadelphia office. Read about her on our website: buff.ly/TAEoSeO
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RHLS Welcomes New Staff Attorney Gillian Perez. - RHLS Website
Gillian is a recent graduate of the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University with a concentration in transactional legal practice. While in law school, she found herself interest in…
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
While Reading city regulations might preclude tenant protections such as rent caps, there are ways in which the local government can align more with state laws that protect tenants. RHLS's Bob Damewood weighs in, rRead more from Spotlight PA: buff.ly/zQg8KZy
spotlightpa.org
Can Reading limit rent increases? What Pennsylvania law allows
Advocates want stronger renter protections in Reading. Here's which proposals City Council could adopt and which require state approval.
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Opening Doors in Pittsburgh is more than an anniversary celebration. It's a recognition of the partnerships that make lasting change possible. Join us October 7 as we celebrate the people behind the progress. buff.ly/rBh0dYN #HousingJustice #CommunityImpact #NonprofitLeadership #RHLS
Regional Housing Legal Services banner promoting an event honoring Allegheny County’s housing champions, Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 5:30 PM at The Tower at PNC Plaza in Pittsburgh, highlighting local officials and housing leaders and displaying sponsor logos.
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
When tenant protections are weak, predatory landlords can find ways to use the eviction process to charge fees. Manufactured home communities are particularly at risk. Read more from Oklahoma: buff.ly/p51ZaNg
oklahomawatch.org
Serial Evictions, Rent-to-Own Deals and $58 Filing Fees: How a Colorado Company Profits From Oklahoma's Weak Tenant Laws - Oklahoma Watch
Westmoor Mobile Home Park in southwest Oklahoma City filed 160 of the 167 evictions in its ZIP code last year, making it Oklahoma City's seventh-highest evictor. One resident has had seven evictions…
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Read more about the new supportive housing coming soon to Bucks County! buff.ly/cLVbLP7
rhls.org
Woods Breaks Ground on New Supportive Housing. - RHLS Website
RHLS staff and Board were on hand to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Barry R. Sharer Pavilion at the Meadowbrook Apartment campus. This addition will have forty-two new homes for people with…
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
⏳ One Month Until Opening Doors in Pittsburgh! In just a few weeks, we'll gather to celebrate 30 years of partnership, progress, and impact in affordable housing and community development. buff.ly/rBh0dYN Have you registered yet? #OpeningDoors #RHLS #HousingImpact
rhls.app.neoncrm.com
Neon Events
Contributions to Regional Housing Legal Services are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Regional Housing Legal Services is a tax-exempt corporation under Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3). The official…
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
PHARE is an invaluable source of flexible funding in the affordable housing world. Who gets it? Now we know. Read this press release from @PHFA: buff.ly/E7pq5Mr
prnewswire.com
PHFA releases first PHARE Semi-Annual Progress and Impact Report
/PRNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency today released the first-ever Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund...
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Over the summer, RHLS staff and summer legal interns toured several developments with our long-time client, Community Ventures. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with a nonprofit developer in Philadelphia that prioritizes affordability and energy efficiency! buff.ly/hXQb2zA
rhls.org
RHLS and Community Ventures tour Francisville-area affordable housing developments. - RHLS Website
Executive Director Troy Hannigan and Controller Derek Lawson very kindly took RHLS staff on a tour of the organization’s work in the Francisville neighborhood of Philadelphia. In attendance were…
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Join us in welcoming Kerry Robinson! Kerry comes to us through the Honorable Phyllis K. Beck Public Interest Fellowship, a 2-year commitment to working in nonprofit law. Read more about them on our website: buff.ly/au7Ktj5
Smiling man wearing glasses and a striped button-down stands on a rooftop terrace, overlooking a downtown skyline with a tall glass hotel tower and an ornate clock tower under a partly cloudy sky.
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
As a long time advocate for transparency on affordability in subsidized multi-family dwellings in Pennsylvania, RHLS is pleased to see the state has taken this step. As Dina notes, with a better handle on the scope, advocates will be more equipped to manage these issues. bit.ly/4qHf7iS
spotlightpa.org
A new PA database will track expiring housing subsidies
1000s of affordable housing subsidies will end in the next 5 years. A new database will help Pa. get in front of the issue.
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
This article highlights how broad coalitions are helping expand community ownership of housing through local policy, funding, and partnerships. buff.ly/U94DUXN
shelterforce.org
How State Coalitions Are Advancing Community Ownership of Housing — Shelterforce
Coalitions promoting community land trusts and real estate co-ops have formed in multiple cities and states—and they are achieving results.
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
👏 Thank you to our sponsors, Bridgeway Capital, Cozen O'Connor, Pittsburgh United, Diamond & Assoc, FHLB Bank, HumanGood, Chris Paul & Yann Lefievre for supporting Opening Doors in Pittsburgh! We're grateful for your partnership and commitment to stronger communities. #CommunityPartners
rhls.app.neoncrm.com
Neon Events
Contributions to Regional Housing Legal Services are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Regional Housing Legal Services is a tax-exempt corporation under Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3). The official…
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Every source of funding matters when bringing Low-Income Housing Tax Credit funded development to the finish line. Energy efficiency requirements are important, but w/out funding, the result will be fewer units. Chris Paul discusses impacts on the Pa market. buff.ly/r3f8Viq
taxcreditadvisor.com
Balancing Green QAP Standards with Diminished Energy Subsidies
After the termination of federal energy incentives, affordable housing developers and state agencies are still finding ways to maintain valuable green building practices.
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Did you know? It's Supportive Housing Week! Supportive Housing Week is a nationwide initiative led by CSH to show members of Congress how supportive housing works in their communities. Check out CSH's website to learn more: buff.ly/8Lf86E1
csh.org
Supportive Housing Week | Corporation for Supportive Housing
Supportive Housing Week is a nationwide initiative led by CSH to show members of Congress how supportive housing works in their communities.
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
RHLS has submitted comments on the 2027-2028 PHFA Qualified Allocation Plan. The QAP is the mechanism for allocating LIHTC funds, the main funding source for affordable housing. Read more about our comments here: buff.ly/oPqYsve
rhls.org
RHLS Submits Recommendations on Pennsylvania’s Draft Qualified Allocation Plan. - RHLS Website
PHFA’s Qualified Allocation Plan may not be a household term, but it is one of the most important policy documents shaping the future of affordable housing in Pennsylvania. RHLS recently submitted…
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
It costs less and it's better! House the homeless, save money, read this op-ed from NJ: buff.ly/zTAmZCb
njspotlightnews.org
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/06/op-ed-cutting-spending-on-homelessness-would-cost-nj-a-fortune/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSx__pleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEenjW6cpWcu2ghiNOoFHAJdHsAU2f7wPFw4aUxJI-_C6yTOXaWphD8MAxqFPc_aem_LhBeK22qzfI1ONo2LwsTIQ
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Become a sponsor of RHLS's Opening Doors in Pittsburgh and showcase your commitment to affordable housing and thriving communities. Sponsorships available from $1,000 to $10,000+. 🏠🤝 buff.ly/MNRQPY3 #AffordableHousing #CSR
Event flyer from Regional Housing Legal Services announcing a ceremony honoring Allegheny County housing champions on Wednesday, Oct 7, 2026 at 5:30 PM at The Tower at PNC Plaza, listing elected housing leaders by role and showing sponsor logos (Bridgeway Capital, Cozen O'Connor, Pittsburgh United, Diamond & Associates, FHLB Bank Pittsburgh, HumanGood)
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
We can't say it enough, supportive housing saves lives and helps people keep their dignity, read more from Philadelphia : buff.ly/Jlu5hvg
phillyvoice.com
For people in addiction, Project HOME's new facility bridges the gap between hospitalization and permanent housing
Hawthorne House adds 20 respite beds that serve a critical purpose for people on the path toward recovery.
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
The Housing Alliance has released their report on 2025 eviction filings in Pa. Read it today: buff.ly/8dinLFy
housingalliancepa.org
Evictions After Covid: A New Landscape – Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania
Interactive Web Report Update- June 2026
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
For 30 years, RHLS has helped open doors to housing opportunity. Join us in Pittsburgh on Oct. 7, 2026, as we celebrate our clients, partners, and friends. Free attendance thanks to our sponsors. 🏠🎉 #AffordableHousing #CommunityDevelopment buff.ly/MNRQPY3
Event flyer from Regional Housing Legal Services announcing a ceremony honoring Allegheny County housing champions on Wednesday, Oct 7, 2026 at 5:30 PM at The Tower at PNC Plaza, listing elected housing leaders by role and showing sponsor logos (Bridgeway Capital, Cozen O'Connor, Pittsburgh United, Diamond & Associates, FHLB Bank Pittsburgh, HumanGood)
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Registration opens 9/29 for communities in Delaware interested in participating in the 2027 Blueprint Communities cohort. The collaborative initiative provides training, technical assistance, coaching, and financial support. For more info, including eligibility requirements, visit buff.ly/IoiX4qO
udel.edu
Blueprint Communities Program | CCRS | Biden School | University of Delaware
Blueprint Communities provides support to selected communities in Delaware for developing and implementing revitilization plans.
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Many housing advocates also have lived experience with housing instability. This author argues for more inclusion and more funding for such advocates.
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Why lived experience matters in philanthropy and housing advocacy - SaportaReport
Read Why lived experience matters in philanthropy and housing advocacy by Bambie Hayes-Brown for SaportaReport here.
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Philadelphia has more houses for sale this year, but people still struggle to afford them. Read about why that is:
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Why Philadelphia's housing market remains so difficult to navigate
Sellers are less serious, and buyers can’t afford anything. Economists say it will likely take years for things to improve.
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
"The housing crisis, climate crisis and gender inequality are often treated as separate political issues.... In reality, these issues are deeply interconnected. "
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The housing crisis, climate crisis and gender inequality are interconnected: our solutions should be too   – Women's Budget Group
The housing crisis, climate crisis and gender inequality are often treated as separate political issues. In reality, these issues are deeply interconnected., explains WBG's Emma Thackray.
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
For 30 years, RHLS has helped open doors to housing opportunity. Join us in Pittsburgh on Oct. 7, 2026, as we celebrate our clients, partners, and friends. Free attendance thanks to our sponsors. 🏠🎉 #AffordableHousing #CommunityDevelopment
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Neon Events
Contributions to Regional Housing Legal Services are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Regional Housing Legal Services is a tax-exempt corporation under Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3). The official…
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Data centers don't just threaten higher costs and water shortages, they are also taking money away from other badly needed services
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How a Data Center Derailed $240,000 for Affordable Housing in Rural Maine — Shelterforce
In Maine, $240,000 in federal money for housing was rescinded from a small town after officials sought to use the funds for a data center.
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
"Opportunity Zone" legislation has some important changes made, including greater transparency and an automatic reset process every new census. Read more:
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Opportunity Zones Got an Upgrade: It’s Time to Give Them a Second Look — Shelterforce
State-level processes for nominating tracts for opportunity zone designation are open. Here is how to get involved.
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Did you know? The Nonprofit Fund and the Trinity Church Wall Street have partnered to create the Faith in Our Communities Fund, a $4.5 million pilot program serving faith organizations seeking to build sustainable financial capacity. Read more:
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Faith in Our Communities Fund - Nonprofit Finance Fund
Learn more about NFF’s pre-development and acquisition loans.
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
A new report from LISC outlines the constraints holding back affordable housing construction. Read more and download the report:
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New Report from LISC Outlines Five Systemic Gaps Driving National Affordable Housing Shortage | Local Initiatives Support Corporation
A new report from LISC’s National Housing Strategic Initiatives team examines the financial pressures threatening affordable housing nationwide. The State of Affordable Housing: Saving Affordable…
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
A tenant is alleging that a corporate landlord in Philadelphia broke the law by using algorithmic rent-setting software.
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A corporate landlord in Philly broke the law by using rent-setting software, tenant alleges
Willow Bridge manages 244 apartments in University City and Center City. The lawsuit is believed to be the first since the city's antitrust law took effect.
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Chester County may be at a turning point in combatting homelessness. What can we learn from them?
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Chester County reaches ‘functional zero milestone’ for chronic homelessness
A “functional zero” means that three or fewer people were experiencing chronic homelessness in Chester County.
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
PA lawmakers support building more housing, but opinions differ on the best methods. In particular contention are the issues of local control and funding.
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PA lawmakers push new housing bills amid growing shortage
Multiple bills under consideration in the Pennsylvania House and Senate would reduce some local control over housing regulations.
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
It's not just more housing that we need, we need to preserve what we have as well! Read this opinion piece breaking down the issue:
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While We Race To Build More New Homes, We’re Losing Old Ones
Op-ed: As Congress moves toward passage of the bipartisan 21st Century Road to Housing Act, the new housing supply agenda is missing a plan to preserve what we build.
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
More and more states are recognizing that their formerly incarcerated citizens face so much discrimination in the housing market that they are left homeless or insecure, even decades later. Maryland has joined New Jersey in signing stronger protection into law. Read more:
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Maryland Takes Significant Step Toward Fair Housing for People…
Marquis Howard recalls sweating over every word he wrote in the box on the housing application that asked about his criminal conviction. Even though he…
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Medicare only covers nursing homes, but people could live more cheaply in assisted living, read more from Mass:
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Massachusetts Advocates Push for Medicaid-Funded Assisted Living — Shelterforce
Medicaid often steers older adults into costlier and more restrictive care than they need. Lawmakers can fix that.
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
The origins of the current housing crisis are rooted in systemic inequality driven by policy choices. Read this powerful piece from Michigan:
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The Politics of Visibility - Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center
To say that Michigan is facing a housing crisis often comes with the language of urgency, as if something sudden has happened, as if instability has only recently emerged. But that framing depends on…
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
It's a nation-wide crisis! It cannot be clearer that a lack of affordable housing leads to increased rates of homelessness. Read more from Ohio:
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Rising rents drive homelessness higher in Ohio
COLUMBUS — A growing shortage of affordable housing caused homelessness in Ohio to rise by 3.7% over one year, according to a recent report.
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Montgomery County has released a Housing Blueprint, aiming to increase the supply of affordable housing. Read some details: here:
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Montgomery County releases first-ever blueprint to make housing more accessible
The county's first-ever Housing Blueprint, released this week, builds on existing programs while pursuing new opportunities and collaboration with other partners.
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Eviction sealing is good! We applaud this good news from South Carolina:
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New SC law seals evictions after 7 years. Advocates say it’s a good start for tenant protections.
In South Carolina, an eviction would stay on your record forever. This new law erases it from the public index after seven years.
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." - Nelson Mandela
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
San Diego is currently wasting time and resources on "sweeps" of homeless encampments that might better be spent on affordable housing.
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What happens after a homeless encampment sweep? Data shows the limits of what San Diego’s strategy accomplishes
Encampments often reappear days — sometimes hours — after they’re cleared. The sweeps cost taxpayers more than $7 million each year.
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Fair housing means living up to the promise of our nation, free and fair for all. The federal government is stepping back, now is the time for states to step up. Read examples from across the country:
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When the Feds Step Back on Fair Housing, Can States Step Up? — Shelterforce
As the feds back away from enforcement of fair housing and community reinvestment measures, state and local versions may grow more important.
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
What happens when people can't afford to live where they work? Long commutes hurt us all:
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What Happens When Workers Can’t Afford to Live Near Jobs?
Pennsylvania leaders say the state’s housing shortage is becoming a major economic threat.
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Regional Housing Legal Services @rhlspa.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
What is social housing? Will it help with the current housing crisis?
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Learn More About Why We Need Social Housing
“The biggest affordability issue in this country is a lack of a living minimum wage combined with a lack of access to affordable housing.”
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