Safe, stable housing is a fundamental human right, yet millions across the U.S. face housing insecurity, homelessness, or displacement due to systemic inequality, policy challenges, and economic pressures. This February, the Samuel Lawrence Foundation’s "First Fridays" series tackles the critical issue of the housing crisis with an expert panel of advocates, policymakers, and scholars. Together, they will uncover the barriers to addressing this growing crisis and propose pathways for meaningful change.

Join us for an engaging discussion featuring:

Tamar Ezer: Faculty Director of the Human Rights Program/ Associate Director of the Human Rights Clinic, University of Miami School of Law
Rob Robinson: Senior Advisor at Dignity and Rights and USA-Canada Coordinator for the International Alliance of Inhabitants
Senator Catherine Blakespear: California State Senator representing the 38th District
Jessie Speer: Author; Assistant Professor at the London School of Economics

This thought-provoking event will delve into the systemic and political challenges that prevent meaningful progress on housing reform, highlighting both the domestic and global implications of the housing crisis, including environmental disasters. Panelists will explore innovative solutions, from grassroots advocacy and community organizing to legislative reform and international models of housing justice.

Aired: February 7, 2025