For over 30 years, Race on the Agenda (ROTA) has been one of Britain’s leading change drivers, working alongside communities impacted by systemic racism to create policies and practices that tackle inequality. Together, we have made strides in advancing racial justice—but the fight is far from over.
As we look ahead to 2024-2030, housing and homelessness have been identified as our top policy priorities. With funding from the Oak Foundation, we are thrilled to launch our Recentering Race in Housing Justice: Brick by Brick project. A year planning project with the view of securing longer-term funding to coproduce a programme of work. This initiative, co-designed with community groups, is more than just research—it’s a movement for liberation.
The Inequalities We Are Addressing Are Stark
The housing crisis disproportionately impacts Black and Global Majority (BGM) communities, and the evidence is damning:
- Our research on Homelessness Amongst Black and Minoritised Ethnic Communities in the UK: a statistical report in partnership with Herirot- Watt University and Oak Foundation found Black people are 3.5 times more likely to face statutory homelessness, with race-based discrimination driving the disparity.
- The Mayor of London’s Housing Strategy Impact Assessment highlights that race is a significant factor in housing injustice. BGM communities are more likely to live in social housing, face poor landlord practices in the private rental sector, and experience homelessness at disproportionate rates.
- Despite these realities, race has been glaringly omitted from key housing policy debates, including the Renters (Reform) Bill.
Research released this week by Southwark Council reveals that 71% of councils expect to cancel, pause, or delay housing projects, placing BGM communities at an even greater risk of homelessness.
This isn’t just about housing—it’s about health, dignity, and a place to call home. Behind these statistics are real lives: overcrowded homes, children facing housing instability, and elders being displaced from their communities. Our new project Recentering Race in Housing Justice: Brick by Brick is needed now more than ever.
Why Housing Justice Matters
The housing crisis ravaging BGM communities isn’t just persisting—it’s intensifying. Research highlights the systemic inequalities we face:
- Statutory homelessness: BGM communities are three and a half times more likely to face statutory homelessness than White individuals (Crisis, 2024).
- Poor living conditions: Overcrowding and inadequate facilities disproportionately affect areas with high Black populations, directly impacting health, dignity, and survival.
- Generational trauma: Housing instability caused by racism leads to negative educational outcomes and long-term trauma for children, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage.
Let’s speak truth to power: The “housing crisis” is a manufactured reality, born from centuries of colonial practices and structural racism.
As Audre Lorde powerfully reminds us, “Without community there is no liberation.” This is why ROTA is committed to creating systemic change through community-led solutions and authentic anti-racist practice.
A Movement for Liberation
Through our Recentering Race in Housing Justice: Brick by Brick project, we are:
✦ Holding housing authorities accountable using legal frameworks.
✦ Empowering frontline organisations to challenge discriminatory practices.
✦ Building capacity within communities to demand equity and fairness.
✦ Recentering race in housing justice to drive systemic transformation through impactful evidence and community-led research.
How You Can Get Involved
We need your revolutionary spirit, lived experience, and commitment to justice. Here’s how you can join the fight for housing equity:
- Join Our Advisory Group: Be one of 8 experts guiding research, validating findings, and shaping solutions. Time will be remunerated.
- Collaborate with Us: Partner with us to amplify the voices of those most affected by housing inequality.
- Take Action: Equip communities with the tools to hold landlords and housing authorities to account.
- Share Your Story: Your lived experiences are essential to driving change.
Upcoming Webinar – Save the date
Join our webinar on Wednesday 12th February 2025 to learn more about this transformative project and discover how you can get involved. Click HERE for more details.
Who Should Attend?
This webinar is for individuals and organisations interested in shaping the “Brick by Brick” project, including:
- Residents in Temporary Accommodation: Those facing racial housing injustice.
- People with Lived Experience: Individuals who have experienced racial housing injustice or instability.
- Community Advocates: Grassroots leaders working for housing rights.
- Housing Experts: Professionals in housing law, policy, and advocacy.
- Academic Partners: Researchers contributing knowledge and data.
- Homelessness Charities: Organisations addressing homelessness on the ground.
Together, We Can Build a Better Future
The time for incremental change is over. With your support, we can create a future where Black and Global Majority Londoners live in safe, secure, and fair housing.
Let’s break down barriers and rebuild housing justice—brick by brick.
#NoMoreExcuses
For more information or to share your housing justice story, contact: Michaela Queensborough, Service Development Manager, Michaela@rota.org.uk
In solidarity and struggle,
Race on the Agenda (ROTA)