For the Love of Landlords
February 24, 2020
In a community (or nation) where lack of affordable housing is the number one cause of homelessness, landlords have a great deal of power. They hold economic power that can be wielded in positive or negative ways for renters. Thus, they also have the power to create necessary change in our community.
I have so much gratitude when I think of the landlords who have stepped into partnership with Bridge of Hope on behalf of our families. These folks have caught the vision of a community where no family is homeless. They have stepped forward. They have said “yes” to being part of the solution. This is something to be celebrated. This is life-changing for our families.
Denise, a mother of three, desperately needed a new start. If their family of four did not move out of the apartment of an extended family member in time, the family member was going to be evicted. When Denise came to Bridge of Hope, we realized not only were we up against lack of affordable housing, but we were also under a strict time crunch. Last week, a landlord partner stepped forward and said “yes” to Denise’s family. Denise said that this is the best thing that has happened to them in a very long time. Their story is beginning to shift because someone with the power to say “yes” did.
What I know is that God is in that “yes” because hope is in that “yes.” Jesus’ invitation to love our neighbor is an invitation to practice hospitality. The “yes” of a Bridge of Hope landlord effectively says, “You are worthy. There is hope. Come and make your home here.”
**If you or someone you know may have interest in being a Bridge of Hope Landlord Partner, please contact us at director@hr.bridgeofhopeinc.org and we will be happy to share with you the BENEFITS of being a landlord partner with Bridge of Hope.