Board Co-President, Alisa Kaplan, talks about why she chooses to support Open Communities.
There’s nothing more rewarding than making a real, tangible difference in people’s lives. At Open Communities, our staff and volunteers do that every single day.
I have been co-president of the Open Communities Board since 2018. I feel incredibly fortunate to participate in this organization's mission, which touches the lives of so many people in the most critical ways.
For many of us, it’s hard to believe that in 2021, a person still may have trouble finding housing because of the color of her skin or the sound of their last name.
It’s hard to believe that in beautiful neighborhoods we think of as enlightened and progressive, many people still face the possibility of homelessness and the dangers that come with it.
But they do. And every day, the unbelievable Open Communities staff works with community members who come through our door to ensure they can find and stay in safe homes.
As one client with a rental issue put it,
"When you are down and out and don't know the law, you don't know when people are taking advantage of you. Open Communities talked with the leasing company's attorney, and everything was handled in one conversation."
Our staff worked with Nico,* whose landlord used Nico’s lack of English skills to trick him into accepting his own eviction, even though he had paid all his rent. Open Communities helped reverse the eviction and got him settled into a home with a more ethical landlord.
They also worked with Lisa,* who almost lost her home to foreclosure after she contracted COVID-19 and lost her job. Open Communities helped Lisa collaborate with the mortgage company to modify her loan so that she could stay in her home.
"I'm so happy that an organization like Open Communities exists,” Lisa said. “Having someone knowledgeable and experienced to help me with this is worth everything."
The studies are clear. Housing affects every aspect of one’s life. Dignity, health, happiness, a liveable income - a secure home can give the best chance at everything human beings deserve.
And having a just, inclusive community benefits everyone.
I don’t have to be the only lucky one. You can help fight discrimination and injustice at your doorstep. You can help someone stay in their home. Join me as a volunteer or donate to Open Communities today.
*Names changed
