The BETH campaign emerged from listening to Black and Native Washingtonians about barriers to homeownership and preserving housing. WIN connects homeowners to rehabilitation programs while organizing for policy change—tackling student debt, vacant property rehabilitation, and access to affordable financing.
THE ISSUE
Historically, U.S. policies of redlining and systemic racism encouraged homeownership for white Americans while blocking Black Americans from building wealth. Today, Native Washingtonians—especially Black residents—are being displaced from the city they built.
OUR VISION
Every Native Washingtonian who wants to stay in DC should have every right and resource to do so. All DC residents who grew up here and serve our District should be able to afford a home here.
THE BETH JOURNEY
2021
BETH launched after listening to Black and Native Washingtonians about barriers to homeownership and preserving housing. WIN pushed the Mayor’s office alongside housing allies, resulting in creation of a $10 million Black Homeownership Fund and a Black Homeownership Strike Force.
2022
WIN successfully advocated for community representation on the Strike Force. The Strike Force published a report with 10 recommendations to create 20,000 net new Black homeowners by 2030, including reviving the Vacant to Vibrant program to leverage vacant properties for low and middle-income homeownership.
2023
WIN published a report with the Jain Family Institute and Economic Policy Institute highlighting challenges to homeownership caused by student debt. We gathered advocates for a press conference in Deanwood focusing on rehabilitating DC’s 3,000+ vacant homes.
2024
WIN knocked on 150+ doors in Deanwood and River Terrace, listening to families wanting to preserve their homeownership and decrease utility bills through electrification and home repairs. We connected these families to Yachad Housing for direct support while providing organizing opportunities. WIN testified on community-identified changes to the Vacant to Vibrant Amendment Act to ensure it doesn’t disproportionately impact low-income homeowners and intentionally creates pathways for affordable homeownership.
CURRENT WORK
- Advocate for full implementation of Strike Force recommendations
- Support passage and funding of an amended Vacant to Vibrant Amendment Act
- Connect homeowners to rehabilitation resources through partnerships with organizations like Yachad Housing
- Build organizing power among Black and Native Washingtonian homeowners
- Address student loan debt as a barrier to homeownership
- Link homeownership preservation with climate work through electrification and weatherization programs
GET INVOLVED
BETH is led by Black and Native Washingtonian homeowners and aspiring homeowners. To join:
- Attend house meetings in your neighborhood
- Connect with the BETH organizing team
- Share your story and priorities