Be a Helping Hand

06/30/2025

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Starting July 1, 177 new laws go into effect in Tennessee.
Those laws include those for universal school vouchers and immigration reform. It also includes dozens of other laws impacting the criminal justice system, child care, foster care, children's internet safety and women's health.

Starting July 1, 177 new Tennessee laws reshape education, immigration, and criminal justice.

06/30/2025

According to a report published late Saturday night, the legislation would mean 11.8 million more Americans would become uninsured by 2034. Federal spending on Medicaid, Medicare and Obamacare would be reduced by more than $1.1 trillion over that period — with more than $1 trillion of those cuts coming from Medicaid alone.

Analysis from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found that Republicans’ new version of the legislation would make far deeper cuts and lead to more people becoming uninsured than previous proposals.

04/29/2025

Mayor Freddie O’Connell just released the city’s first-ever Unified Housing Strategy — a 10-year plan to tackle Nashville’s growing housing crisis with bold, coordinated action. With property values up 45% in just 4 years, this plan outlines 7 key strategies to create, preserve, and protect affordable housing across the city. It’s built on community feedback and calls on everyone — residents, developers, nonprofits, and businesses — to be part of the solution.

📅 Public presentations are coming up in May, and you can review the plan and share your feedback by May 30 at Nashville.gov/UHS.

https://www.nashville.gov/departments/mayor/news/mayor-freddie-oconnell-releases-nashvilles-first-unified-housing-strategy

Mayor Freddie O’Connell Releases Nashville’s First Unified Housing StrategyThe Unified Housing Strategy will guide Nashville’s coordinated work to...

04/23/2025

A fraction of rent-burdened households receive Section 8 vouchers — and they may not even be able to use them.

As home values ballooned in the wake of the pandemic, the typical American renter became rent burdened — meaning 30 percent of the median U.S. income was required to pay the average rent. Millions more are “severely” rent burdened, paying more than 50 percent of their annual income in rent.

For Americans struggling to keep up, subsidized housing vouchers — known as Section 8 — are a critical tool for paying rent. But the available vouchers are lagging far behind demand.

There are almost 17 million more rent-burdened households than there are available vouchers.

Section 8 vouchers come with strict requirements, so not every low-income renter is eligible. And crucially, even people who get one may not be able to use it: Voucher recipients are not protected under the Fair Housing Act, meaning landlords can automatically reject applications from voucher holders.

Now, as the Trump administration aims to cut the HUD budget, there is concern that the gap will only grow.

A fraction of rent-burdened households receive Section 8 vouchers — and they may not even be able to use them.

03/24/2025

A proposed rule would restrict “eligibility, enrollment and affordability” in plans under the Affordable Care Act, health policy analysts say.

A shorter open enrollment period, less help choosing a plan, higher health insurance premiums for many people — those are just a few changes now brewing that could affect your health insurance for 2026 if you have coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. One shift is the scheduled end of more generous financial subsidies that, in recent years, have allowed many more people to qualify for marketplace plans with lower or no monthly premiums.

Where can I share my opinion about the proposed rule?

Public comments can be submitted online or by mail until April 11. Details are available on the Federal Register website. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/03/19/2025-04083/patient-protection-and-affordable-care-act-marketplace-integrity-and-affordability

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/21/business/obamacare-changes-2026.html?unlocked_article_code=1.6U4.qWwc.u6Y7Wt6is8tD&smid=url-share

A proposed rule would restrict “eligibility, enrollment and affordability” in plans under the Affordable Care Act, health policy analysts say.

03/17/2025

“Soon there’ll be no enforcement,” said Rep Maxine Waters of Ca. “We really are going to go backward.”

Two Democrats delivered a letter to Housing and Urban Development secretary that said cutbacks to fair housing initiatives will “embolden housing discrimination” and put “people’s lives at risk.”

If housing discrimination is left unchecked, it will freeze more Americans out of a volatile housing market. Seniors, people with disabilities, Blacks and Latinos are most at risk of losing their homes in the volatile market.

The action comes on the heels of lawsuits filed last week against HUD and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency by four local fair housing organizations. Under the DOGE cost-cutting plan, at least 66 local fair housing groups — whose purpose is to enforce the landmark Fair Housing Act that prohibits discrimination in real estate — face the sudden rescission of $30 million in grants.

The HUD secretary forecasts that he will slash staff by 50 percent at the agency and by 77 percent at its Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, which enforces the Fair Housing Act at the federal level.

Fair housing organizations are the frontline defense to ensuring that Americans’ rights are protected. Without grass-roots groups keeping watch on those who seek to discriminate, the law becomes “a toothless tiger,” said Lisa Rice, president of the National Fair Housing Alliance. Referring to the Trump administration, she said, “They don’t want the law enforced.”

But local fair housing groups say the cuts will make it difficult, if not impossible, to serve anyone.

Ms. Rice, from the National Fair Housing Alliance, said the grant termination is illegal because the grants had been allotted by Congress, and Congress has not authorized DOGE to direct another agency’s operations.

“This is a constitutional crisis,” Ms. Rice said. “They’re thumbing their nose at the law.”

“Soon there’ll be no enforcement,” said Representative Maxine Waters of California. “We really are going to go backward.”

03/12/2025

The Trump administration intends to eliminate Environmental Protection Agency offices responsible for addressing the disproportionately high levels of pollution facing poor communities, according to a memo from Lee Zeldin, the agency administrator.

Mr. Zeldin’s move effectively ends three decades of work at the E.P.A. to try to ease the pollution that burdens poor and minority communities, which are frequently located near highways, power plants, industrial plants and other polluting facilities. Studies have shown that people who live in those communities have higher rates of asthma, heart disease and other health problems, compared with the national average.

An internal memo directs the closure of offices designed to ease the heavy pollution faced by poor and minority communities.

03/08/2025

Introducing Linbar Flats: A New Mixed-Use Housing Community in Southeast Nashville

Affordable housing remains a pressing issue in the Southeast neighborhoods of Nashville, especially within the 37211 zip code. Our research highlights the urgent need for new, mixed-use affordable housing in this region. Linbar Flats will feature on-site local retail businesses, designed to serve the daily needs of both residents and neighboring communities.

Addressing the need for affordable housing is essential to ensuring the stability and well-being of our community. Our goal is to help residents integrate and thrive in their new environment.

Our new housing community will offer much-needed affordable housing along with ample parking spaces, including a garage. Linbar Flats will be designed to meet the needs of this vibrant and growing community.

Our design prioritizes stability, safety, sustainability, and opportunity, providing a solid foundation for residents to prosper.

Our commitment goes beyond just providing housing. We aim to create a mixed-use space where everyone—including individuals with disabilities—can live comfortably and enjoy convenient amenities that enhance their living experience.

https://bahelpinghand.org/introducing-a-new-mixed-use-affordable-housing-community-in-southeast-nashville/

03/03/2025

Barnes Ridge brings 150 affordable, single-family homes to Antioch, TN, blending modern design, sustainability, and accessibility. Situated on 54 acres, this development offers energy-efficient homes, family-friendly layouts, and communal green spaces, creating a vibrant, supportive community in one of Middle Tennessee’s fastest-growing areas.

PARTNERS
Marshall Crawford, The Housing Fund
Mark Wright, Be A Helping Hand
Terri Skipper, New Level Community Development Corp (New Level CDC)
Dave Martin, Martin Development

https://bahelpinghand.org/barnes-ridge-affordable-sustainable-homes/

02/20/2025

Love & Legacy: Family Wealth Building Conference

The Love & Legacy Conference is a transformative one-day event designed to equip individuals and families with the knowledge and strategies to build generational wealth, financial stability, and lasting legacies. Held at Mt. Zion Baptist Church OHB location, on March 8, 2025, this conference brings together expert speakers, financial professionals, and thought leaders to share actionable insights on wealth-building, ownership, and financial empowerment within the community.

Attendees will gain practical tools on investing, estate planning, entrepreneurship, love and family building, insurance, retirement, investment, and trusts, all while emphasizing the importance of faith, family, and intentional financial stewardship. With keynote speakers Courtney & Ever Hale, engaging panel discussions, and networking opportunities, this event is a must for anyone looking to create a lasting impact for generations to come.

02/18/2025

Be a Helping Hand is a proud member of the Alliance for an Affordable Nashville, joining a coalition of advocates fighting for change in Tennessee’s affordable housing crisis. This past week, affordable housing and tenant rights groups gathered at the Tennessee State Capitol for the third annual “Day on the Hill for Housing and Homelessness.” They presented policy recommendations to lawmakers, calling for urgent action to address skyrocketing housing costs across urban and rural communities. With rising rents and home prices, many Tennesseans are being priced out. We stand with organizations like Open Table Nashville, Memphis Tenants Union, and others, pushing for policies such as rent control and tenant protections. Together, we advocate for a Tennessee where everyone has access to safe and affordable housing.

A new coalition of housing and homelessness advocates from across Tennessee gathered in Nashville this week to demand change from lawmakers.