Racial Equity During COVID-19
COVID-19 is not the great equalizer.
It is the great amplifier of inequities.
What we know: 



  • Black and Brown households are the most severely rent-burdened in Texas and stand to lose the most after the expiration of the statewide eviction moratorium on May 18. 



  • Navajo Nation is among the hardest hit per capita with over 3,200 positive cases, 100+ deaths, and a spiking rate of deaths by suicide.

  • Communities of color are overrepresented in blue-collar “essential” work leading to a higher chance of contracting the virus and have less access to ongoing and preventative healthcare to treat chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

Upcoming Actions

  • The Austin Justice Coalition started a web series called “Mind Check” to create a safe space for people to come together and receive valuable information and support that will help us all thrive through this time. This webinar series is uniquely designed to meet the evolving needs of the black community, however, they welcome attendees from all racial and cultural backgrounds. 

Advocacy Opportunities
Call and write policymakers and stakeholders to demand action.

Our asks:

Local: City and county leadership must ensure that there are adequate testing locations and healthcare options in communities of color. In addition, municipalities should create local protections for low-income renters, and develop testing policies that promote racial equity.

State: Officials must enact stronger and more expansive protections for those in danger of losing their housing, who are disproportionately people of color. Broad, free, and accessible testing must be implemented for all communities across our state. Rent relief and a renewal of the moratorium on evictions should be provided to Texans. View Texas' COVID-19 Housing Policy Scorecard here .

Federal: Demand Congress to support more rapid response to address homelessness and racial inequities in healthcare and housing, including urging the passage of the Emergency Rental Assistance & Rental Market Stabilization Act .
Advocacy Learning Opportunities
  • Watch the National Low Income Housing Coalition's recording of Diane Yentel's conversation about Racial Equity During COVID-19.

  • Listen to Why The Coronavirus Is Hitting Black Communities Hardest.





Support Our Work
More ways to stay engaged with us:

  • Bookmark our COVID-19 page to keep current on state and federal resources related to the coronavirus pandemic.
Donate today to help fund our advocacy efforts.