Francis Zarro

Today is Good Friday, a day that not only followers of Jesus, but people of all faiths and beliefs, can join in solidarity in recognition of the one common denominator that unites us all: pain.

I have been asked from time to time why I am so passionate about the issue of public defense, and why so much of our work at Society Impact, which is detailed on our site, is dedicated to it. For me, it’s very personal.

Affordable Housing For Everyone (2025) by William Estrada Homeownership has long been the main path to economic mobility in the United States. For generations, it allowed working people to build stability, accumulate wealth, and create something they could pass on to their children. A mortgage acted as forced savings, and owning property provided security and independence that renting does not. Today, that path has narrowed sharply. What was once within reach for much of the working class has...