Why should we care?
SCS’s ability to provide a quality, equitable education is being undercut by high teacher turnover and year-long teaching vacancies, as well as significant maintenance deficiencies within the schools, all of which leads to higher financial, educational, and health costs. A lack of access to wraparound services provided by qualified social workers, psychologists, and nurses inhibits the successful treatment of trauma or Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE). Abuse, neglect, and trauma significantly increase the likelihood of suspensions, juvenile criminal behavior, and incarceration. With a median age four years below the national average, Memphis’s population can support economic development, but only if we provide children in our community access to opportunities and support.
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Equipping people of faith and goodwill to organize communities for systemic change through collective action.
CO-CHAIRS
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The Housing Justice Task Force is united by a bold and uncompromising vision: housing is a human right for every Memphian. We believe safe, quality, and affordable housing is not only fundamental—it’s transformational. From economic mobility to education, transit access to environmental justice, housing sits at the center of equity. When all Memphians are securely housed, every aspect of our city thrives
Housing Justice and Equity
Call To Action
What's the problem?
The Housing Justice Task Force is united by a bold and uncompromising vision: housing is a human right for every Memphian. We believe safe, quality, and affordable housing is not only fundamental—it’s transformational. From economic mobility to education, transit access to environmental justice, housing sits at the center of equity. When all Memphians are securely housed, every aspect of our city thrives
Why should we care?
The Housing Justice Task Force is united by a bold and uncompromising vision: housing is a human right for every Memphian. We believe safe, quality, and affordable housing is not only fundamental—it’s transformational. From economic mobility to education, transit access to environmental justice, housing sits at the center of equity. When all Memphians are securely housed, every aspect of our city thrives
What should be done?
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We’ve already begun shifting power through strategic campaigns, including:
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Securing revised CRA commitments from First Horizon Bank
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Hosting financial summits to support wealth-building in disinvested communities
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Improving living conditions at Memphis Towers
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Pressuring the local housing finance agency to revoke tax breaks from harmful landlords
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We’re growing a people-powered movement centered on the voices of those most impacted—renters, unhoused individuals, homeowners, and neighbors—through partnerships with:
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Memphis Tenants Union (MTU)
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Greater Memphis Housing Justice Project
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BCLT, Habitat for Humanity, BLDG Memphis, FHCMM, and others
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An active and diverse interfaith coalition
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We challenge the status quo that treats housing as a commodity instead of a right. We’re proving that:
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Public housing can be dignified and life-giving
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Renters and communities—not corporations—should control the future of Memphis housing
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Local financial mechanisms can be transformed to serve the people
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