Why You Can’t Find A Place to Live – Navigating Racial Justice and the Housing Crisis in Pennsylvania #Freedom#BeThe1st#RealRealty

I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand the aspirations and struggles of young Americans all across this country. And in Pennsylvania, I’ve seen those dreams turn into something far more challenging than they should ever be. The dream of owning your first home—a place you can call your own, a place where your future begins—is becoming harder to reach. The housing crisis we face today, intertwined with the ongoing fight for racial justice, is making it difficult for young people, particularly young people of color, to find a place where they can thrive.

We know that the journey to homeownership isn’t just about dollars and cents. It’s about security. It’s about finding a community where you feel you belong, where the schools are strong, where there are opportunities for your family and your future. But too often, for too many of you, these dreams are being dashed by systemic barriers that have been in place for far too long.

Now, let’s be clear. The housing market hasn’t been fair for a long time. It’s skewed in favor of those who already have the means. And it’s particularly tough on people of color. In places like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown, we’re seeing home prices rise so quickly that young folks are being priced out of neighborhoods that offer the opportunities they deserve. Instead, they’re being pushed into areas that have been left behind, areas where investment has been scarce for decades.

Consider this: 37% of Pennsylvania’s population identifies as people of color, and these communities are bearing the brunt of the housing crisis. In Philadelphia, where 42% of the voting-age population is of color, housing prices have surged by over 25% in the last decade. The same is happening in Pittsburgh, where many young people of color are finding it nearly impossible to afford a home in well-resourced neighborhoods. This isn’t just about housing—this is about justice.

The housing crisis in Pennsylvania is a reflection of broader racial inequities that have plagued this nation for generations. Communities of color have been systematically locked out of wealth-building opportunities. And let’s not kid ourselves—this didn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of policies that, whether intentionally or not, have kept certain neighborhoods white and affluent. Redlining, discriminatory lending, and unequal public investment have all played a part in creating the challenges we see today.

But here’s the good news: You are not powerless. You have a voice. And in this moment, more than any other, you have the power to shape the future. The fight for a better future, one where affordable housing and racial justice go hand in hand, is happening right now. It’s being led by people like you who refuse to settle for the status quo. You have the power to demand better from your leaders, to advocate for policies that promote equity and opportunity for all.

So let’s not give in to fear or frustration. Let’s stand up, let’s speak out, and let’s fight for the future we all deserve. Your dreams matter, your voices matter, and together, we can ensure that no one is forced to settle for anything less than the best this country has to offer. #Freedom #BeThe1st #RealRealty

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Kirk Clay leads Capitol View Advisors with a vision rooted deeply in our shared values, channeling our collective creativity and strategic insight to bridge communities with the essential information and resources they need to elevate and achieve their dreams.