Author

Robbie Sequeira

Robbie Sequeira

Robbie Sequeira is a staff writer covering housing and social services for Stateline.

A copy of a covenant for property now owned by Fred Ware is seen in Manchester, Connecticut. Fred and Dave Ware recently found a whites-only covenant on his property dating back to 1942 when researching the title chain. The covenant described as letter "F" states that "No persons of any race other than the white race shall use or occupy any building or any lot, except that this covenant shall not prevent occupancy by domestic servants of a different race domiciled with an owner tenant."

States grapple with racist language in real estate deeds

By: - November 20, 2023

Lisa Boccetti is horrified by the restrictive covenant that is in the deed to her 1950s ranch house in Raleigh, North Carolina: It states that the land cannot be sold or occupied by Black people. The property “shall not be sold to negroes or to any person or persons of negro blood, and said premises shall […]

An older woman walks with a cart filled with items after shopping.

Older adults want to ‘age in place,’ but their options are limited in most states

By: - November 6, 2023

As older adults begin to outnumber young people in the United States in the coming decade, advocacy groups are challenging states to shift away from single-family zoning in favor of housing solutions that allow older adults to “age in place.” By 2035, the U.S. will have more people over the age of 65 than under […]

Day care staff member Caitlyn Hammonds pushes toddlers on a teacup merry-go-round on the playground at Living Water Child Care and Learning Center in Williamson, West Virginia

States are trying to prop up the child care industry. It isn’t enough.

By: - October 9, 2023

State efforts to prop up child care might spare some providers from the worst effects of last month’s expiration of pandemic-related aid — at least temporarily. But the unraveling of a system plagued by a lack of affordability and access, low wages, staffing turnover and burnout will continue, experts say. “The basic business model of […]

A woman sits on a curb with her belongings and her pets after being evicted from her St. Louis home in September 2021.

Amid rising evictions and rents, states grapple with protections in tenant-landlord laws

By: - September 26, 2023

At 90 years old, Hilda Chavera has found a new purpose in life: tenant organizing. A Minneapolis resident for 50 years, Chavera said she has seen her city change, with many of her neighbors struggling to stay in their homes. “People can’t afford their rent. They are getting kicked out of their homes. They feel […]

A cardboard sign with "help" written on it is placed inside a shopping cart with a blanket and a shopping bag already inside

Couch, car or curb: Defining which young person is ‘homeless’ affects aid state by state

By: - August 17, 2023

Youth homelessness takes less recognizable forms: couch-surfing teens and children whose families have been forced to double up with relatives or friends.

for rent sign in front of house

Some states protect Section 8 renters, but enforcement is elusive

By: - July 23, 2023

Marcella Roberson is ready to move. She and her 17-year-old son have been looking for a new apartment for four years because, she says, they’ve suffered domestic violence in their current living situation in Camden, New Jersey. She hopes her federal housing voucher can bring them a new home and a chance at safety. But […]