Protecting Georgia’s Children Through Housing Policy Reform

Two years ago this week, Georgia Appleseed Executive Director Michael Waller testified before the U.S. Senate committee on the detrimental impacts poor housing conditions and unaccountable institutional landlords on low-income families. Emphasizing issues like predatory rent increases, lack of repairs, and eviction practices that disproportionately affect marginalized communities, he shared specific examples and advocated for federal and local reforms to protect families from these abuses.

We’ve continued to drive policy to address unsafe housing and eviction issues at the state level. Michael’s op-ed this week highlights Georgia House Bill 404, a bill currently with the Senate seeking to establishing minimum safety standards for rental housing and protections against eviction, ultimately to create a safer, more stable housing environment for children and families.