The Social Justice Learning Institute has made significant strides toward housing justice for its program participants and all Inglewood residents.

On June 12th, Inglewood City Council unanimously passed a 5% annual rent cap with just cause eviction protections. This victory comes after more than three years of organizing and mobilizing led by the Uplift Inglewood Coalition, for which SJLI has served as the anchor organization since it was formed in 2015. Before the vote took place, Coalition members provided public comment for over three hours asking for a 5% rent cap instead of the City’s proposed 8% rent cap, and it worked! We want to lift up the leadership of our fellow Coalition partners Holy Faith Episcopal Church, 9to5 California, L.A. Voice, CLUE: Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice, and Youth Justice Coalition.

Additionally, SJLI directly responded to our students’ need for stable housing by investing in an apartment for Urban Scholars program alumni this May. Housing insecurity is a major barrier for young men of color as they complete college or pursue gainful employment. To date, four alumni have moved in and will continue to receive supportive services to help them thrive.

We look forward to building upon these housing justice milestones with the Coalition and our community!