Not alone: Legal support to stop foreclosures

So as we prepare to wrap up 2022, we reflect on how systemic challenges regarding the housing crisis have a disparate impact on women. Our experience providing legal accompaniment shows that the interconnection between housing insecurity and gender violence is clear and more latent during social unrest and disasters. Economic violence, as experienced by domestic violence survivors, attests to instances of aggression in which a party controls the resources, information, and enjoyment of material goods, job opportunities, funds, and housing stability regarding rent or mortgages. Acting upon this manifestation of gender violence must be embedded in our housing justice work.

This year, our foreclosure prevention program, Derecho a tu Casa, proposed making intentional space to push forward, amplify and act upon economic violence experienced by survivors with mortgages. This year - and thanks to your support- we have celebrated summits and workshops and created materials for women advocates, counselors, and other colleagues who dedicate their work to accompany survivors. Our goal to place housing at the center of the discussions has been reached.

As of today, near the end of the year, we have been able to advance capacity development, policy, and advocacy asks to financial institutions concerning this issue. Favorable responses by the government and banks signal a positive outcome. As we fight against the impunity of aggressors, we also demand financial institutions and the state assume responsibility regarding how economic violence exists and has become a significant threat to the right to housing.

Your continuous support and trust in this legal empowerment and advocacy endeavor are essential. We ask you to keep donating and promise to keep you posted.