Lara Heard, Author at Shelterforce Shelterforce

An across-the-street view of a large domed building with broad steps leading up to the pillared front. Two people on the sidewalk are taking a photo, and two others are strolling by. The sky is a deep autumnal blue and the trees lining the plaza are in bright fall reds and oranges.

Homeownership

West Virginia Tackles Vacancy With Tax Reform

September 22, 2023 | Lara Heard

In 2018, Shelterforce wrote about the Center for Community Progress’s recommendations for tax reform in West Virginia to address vacancy. Guided by CCP’s suggestions, the state auditor’s office has recently passed two laws to change its tax sales process and keep properties in use.

Concrete steps on a gently sloping grassy hill go up three steps, then become discontinuous with the steps above them. They're somehow (it's not clear how) raised up, so that on the third step a walker would have to step down before going on to the next step up.

Disability

Poor by Design: SSI Asset Caps

August 2, 2023 | Lara Heard

Asset caps on SSI and other benefits keep people with disabilities from building up emergency savings and financial security—or buying a home.

A roadway in Missoula, Montana. There are some buildings to the right, and mountains in the back.

Health

Where Missoula Built Sidewalks, A Health Equity Focus Followed

July 18, 2023 | Lara Heard

The Missoula City-County Health Department is working to expand health equity through a full-time government position, five years after a health initiative brought new sidewalks to low-income neighborhoods.