Cushing Dolbeare, whom Senator Paul Sarbanes (D-MD) once described as the “godmother of the affordable housing movement,” assembled a coalition of labor, civil rights, religious, social groups, residents, and concerned citizens to create NLIHC in 1974 in response to the Nixon administration's temporary suspension of all low income housing programs. She was a tireless, fair-minded spokesperson throughout the country and on Capitol Hill for millions of low income people and their housing needs. She brought together disparate groups and individuals and crossed party lines, forming alliances of conservatives and progressives, with one mission: to ensure the lowest income households had decent, safe, affordable housing.
Cushing’s spirit and mission live on at NLIHC, and the Coalition’s strength continues to come from its broad-based membership of those who care about the housing needs of the lowest income people in America - housing advocates, resident associations, local governments, non-profit organizations, and others. Our work at NLIHC would not be possible without the support of our members.
Please become an NLIHC member during September, NLIHC’s annual Membership Month, to take a stand against homelessness and housing poverty in America.
Beginning this month, you may elect for your membership to renew automatically each year by becoming a recurring member. Also new this month, you can join or renew your NLIHC membership by simply sending a text message. Just text NLIHCmember (all one word) to 51555, and you will receive a link direct to our new, mobile-friendly membership registration page.
If you are not an NLIHC member, join us today and become part of the movement to end homelessness and housing poverty in America.
- Join NLIHC during September and be entered into a raffle to win a free registration and hotel stay at NLIHC’s Annual Housing Policy Forum in Washington, DC, March 19-21, 2018. Membership in the Coalition begins at $5 for low income individuals and students, with suggested membership rates for other individuals and organizations. Join at whatever amount you feel comfortable contributing.
If you are already a member, help us strengthen the movement.
- Recruit others to join you– friends, family members, colleagues, and partner organizations. Direct recruitment through your personal relationships often goes the farthest! For every new member you recruit, you will be entered into a raffle to win a free registration and hotel stay at NLIHC’s Annual Housing Policy Forum in Washington, DC, March 19-21, 2018.
- Show your support on social media: let everyone in your social media networks know that you are an NLIHC member and that you urge them to join along with you! Download social media images and sample posts at: www.nlihc.org/membership-month
For questions about Membership Month, or to confirm your or your organization’s NLIHC membership status, please contact NLIHC’s Field Team at: outreach@nlihc.org