Paying Earth’s Rent

What Housing Justice Has to Do With Healing Our Planet

Every year on Earth Day, we’re reminded to recycle, go green, or maybe post a photo of a tree. But for me, Earth Day is a deeper call: it's about how we show up for each other and for the spaces we live in.

“Paying Earth’s rent” means making sure people have safe, affordable, and dignified places to live. It means protecting the soil and the soul of our communities. Because when folks feel safe—truly safe—they invest in their homes, their land, their blocks. They plant. They repair. They organize.

And when women lead. They carry the weight of families and neighborhoods—we see the kind of deep, intentional care that uplifts generations. As the saying goes, “women hold up half the sky.”

The State of Rent Right Now

Since the pandemic, rent has shot up across the U.S. Over 30% in many cities. Property taxes are rising too, squeezing small landlords who are just trying to make it all work. At the same time, over 11 million people are spending more than half of what they earn just to keep a roof overhead.

And more than 500,000 people are unhoused each night. As a recession nears, this is a today issue. And it’s one that touches everything from climate change to mental health to generational wealth.

How We Show Up in Evanston

I grew up in Evanston, Illinois, a place full of beauty and contradiction. I’ve been proud to work with Connections for the Homeless there—I found them right before I moved to Austin, TX and now while in Atlanta, GA, I work with the team to manage a few properties and bring wonderful renters to Zora's. They've increased their programs and impact - we love to see it!

Sometimes that means helping folks find a short-term lease. Other times it’s advocating for landlords to step up in creative ways. But the goal is always the same: less vacancy, more dignity, stronger communities.

And the truth is, when someone knows they won’t be forced to move or penalized for falling behind during hard times, they reinvest. They clean up their yards. They plant tomatoes. They say hi to neighbors. They show up to vote and to volunteer. That’s Earth work too.

For Property Owners: Tools to Be a Part of the Solution

If you own property—even just one unit—you’re in a powerful position. And yes, the market is tough, but there are programs that make it easier to offer below-market or transitional housing, without putting yourself at risk.

Here’s a breakdown of programs that can help:

Financial Help

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8): Steady, guaranteed rent paid directly by the government.
Landlord Mitigation Funds (like in Washington): Covers unpaid rent or property damage if something goes wrong.
Chicago’s LIHTF: Subsidies that go straight to landlords working with low-income tenants.

Tax Credits + Incentives

Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC): Federal credits for landlords renting affordably.
Local Tax Breaks: In places like Austin or Minneapolis, you can get breaks for offering affordability or rehabbing vacant buildings.

Community Programs

Denver’s HOST initiative: Helps landlords house folks coming out of homelessness and provides real support along the way.
Connections for the Homeless (Evanston): One-on-one guidance, quick lease-ups, and property support.

For Renters: Support That Can Keep You Housed

Tenants deserve safety, too. And not just physically—emotionally, financially, legally. These programs can offer that support:

Help with Rent + Bills

Emergency Rental Assistance Programs (ERAP): Still active in many areas—check your city or county site.
State Funds and Relief Programs: Some cover back rent, utility debt, or move-in costs.

Legal Rights + Protection

Right to Counsel: In cities like NYC, you can get a free lawyer if you’re being evicted.
Rent Stabilization Laws: These keep rent increases predictable and protect your lease in places like California, Oregon, and DC.

Long-Term Housing Solutions

Public and Supportive Housing Options: Often run by local housing authorities or nonprofits.
Domestic Violence and Family Support Programs: YWCA, Catholic Charities, and many local groups have short- and long-term housing available.

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Rent has its roots

Whether you’re a landlord managing costs or a tenant trying to make rent, you’re part of a larger story. Our housing systems—like our ecosystems—work best when everyone has what they need to thrive.

When we talk about “paying Earth’s rent,” we’ re talking about shared stewardship. Investing in people. Opening doors. Planting seeds that lead to stronger, safer, greener communities.

Because healing the Earth starts at home.

Ri 🌱