At this week's Democratic National Convention in Chicago, housing rights advocate DaMareo Cooper highlighted the critical issue of affordable housing and called for the Harris administration to prioritize addressing the housing crisis. Cooper, the CEO and co-executive director of the Center for Popular Democracy, emphasized the urgent need for action, pointing out that working-class individuals have been marginalized due to soaring rent prices and limited assistance.

Cooper's organization has been at the forefront of advocating for affordable housing, and he is determined to ensure that the incoming Harris administration continues their efforts. He stated, "In this society, some people have been deemed as 'waste people,' mere fertilizer used to grow a different society." Cooper's powerful remark shed light on the discrimination faced by marginalized communities in accessing suitable housing options.

Furthermore, Cooper highlighted the significance of renters' voices within the political landscape. He revealed that if renters had voted at the same rate as homeowners in the 2016 election, it could have potentially altered the outcomes. Emphasizing the importance of prioritizing affordability in candidate discussions, Cooper suggested that younger voters and renters feel underrepresented in these conversations.

With the Democratic vice presidential nominee, Tim Walz, endorsing Kamala Harris's plans to cut middle-class taxes and expand homeownership opportunities, the campaign is signaling a focus on addressing the housing crisis in the final months leading up to the election. Walz emphasized Harris's commitment to building more housing and ensuring fair rent prices, aiming to help more individuals achieve the American dream of homeownership.

Adding to the discussion, Urban League president and CEO Marc Morial pointed out that Donald Trump's policies denied Black people the opportunity to fulfill their aspirations of owning a home. Morial commended Harris's housing plans, which align with the urban league's D3 campaign focused on defending democracy, demanding diversity, and defeating poverty. His attendance at the convention aimed to engage with policymakers and influencers to push for meaningful change in housing policies.

The importance of housing as a priority for young voters was also recognized by Rep. Maxwell Frost, who emphasized the need for policies and initiatives that address their housing concerns. While affordable housing has been a pressing issue for years, the Democratic National Convention serves as a platform to amplify these concerns and identify potential solutions.

As the convention nears its conclusion, participants and delegates, such as Justin Brannan, a New York delegate and Brooklyn City Councilman, expressed the hope that the unity and enthusiasm generated during the convention will translate into concrete action in the form of policy changes. With just over 70 days left until the election, the focus on housing during the convention underscores the significance of this issue for voters nationwide.

The Democratic National Convention has provided a critical platform for advocates, policymakers, and influencers to address the pressing issue of affordable housing. As momentum continues to build for meaningful change, housing rights advocates hope that their voices will be heard and that steps will be taken to alleviate the housing crisis affecting working-class individuals and renters across the nation.