The fight for affordable housing and eradicating homelessness has been a mission several Black leaders have taken on. In celebration of Black History Month, here are six Black housing and homelessness advocates who have done incredible work over the past few years.
Tiana Caldwell–Board President of KC Tenants–Kansas City, MO
Tiana Caldwell is an organizer with KC Tenants. She co-founded the organization while her family experienced homelessness for six months following an eviction and her second cancer diagnosis. Caldwell was a core leader in the campaign to win a Tenants’ Bill of Rights in 2019, served as a Black Organizing Fellow, and co-led the organizing that led to KC Tenants winning Tenants’ Right to Counsel in December 2021.
Amanda Andere – CEO of Funders Together to End Homelessness – Washington, D.C
Amanda Misiko Andere has spent over 15 years working in the nonprofit and public sector as a leader committed to racial and housing justice through advocacy for systemic change. She became the CEO of Funders Together to End Homelessness in 2016, after having served two years as the CEO of Wider Opportunities for Women, a national advocacy organization. She also serves on the board of United Philanthropy Forum and Equity in the Center.
Jimiyu Evans – Co-CEO Project Community Connections, Inc. – Atlanta, GA
Evans joined Project Community Connections (PCC) in 2008. The organization works to rapidly rehouse individuals and families experiencing homelessness into decent and affordable housing. Here is Evans’ description of PCC: “When working with people experiencing homelessness, it’s critical to open a window of opportunity and reach into it quickly to successfully inspire change. If we can open that window, even a crack, we can set in motion an endless opportunity to thrive.”
Kristina Dixon – Chief Financial Officer – Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority
Dixon rejoined Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority in May 2021 after a previous four-year stint. As the Acting Co-Executive Director and CFO, she brings to the organization a standing commitment to improving the overall economic and social well-being of underserved communities through quality education for children, community and economic development, the eradication of homelessness, health care reform, and diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as justice in workplaces, board rooms, and elected offices. Dixon also serves on several boards and committees of nonprofit and civic organizations, where she has earned a reputation as a truth-teller and trust builder in those spaces.
Carolyn Ross – President and CEO of All Chicago
As the President and CEO of All Chicago, Ross oversees and directs all of the organization’s programming. Having previously served in executive roles, she is a recognized leader in the homelessness space and has expertise in emergency financial assistance, community partnerships, and data analytics.
Twyla Carter – Attorney-in-Chief and Chief Executive Officer of The Legal Aid Society, NYC
Carter is the first Black woman and Asian American to lead The Legal Aid Society in its 145-year history. She practices law in New York, Washington State, and numerous federal courts on top of being a nationally recognized expert on bail reform. Carter is a frequent speaker on the criminal legal system, including police reform, right-to-counsel issues, and how to incorporate race and culture into criminal, death penalty, and civil cases.
