Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am the author of HOUSING HUMANS. I have been a public housing policy change agent for over 35 years with executive leadership experience in advocating for affordable housing in major cities across the United States and even Toronto, Canada. My vision is to build communities where people can live with dignity in partnership with both private and public sectors and with Housing Urban Development Government Affairs.
My book is an urgent call-to-action for national housing policy reform. I begin by telling readers about my early life and specifically of experiences that led me to find my career and passion in housing development. I try and give readers a ‘lesson in leadership’ and some great applicable advice from my time in the United States Air Force.
Later I describe the absolute dire need to bring awareness to this plight in America. Homelessness and the the increasing shortage of affordable homes for low-income household families who are at or below the poverty guidelines is a crisis and pandemic that any American could face in the foreseeable future, if policy does not drastically change.
I have worked in community outreach with numerous organizations in varied roles throughout my life. There is one in particular that I has a deep connection with–Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBS). I have been a Big Brother to a Little Brother for over 40 years. Because of this deep, personal relationship with the BBBS organization, I decided to donate 10% of all book proceeds to the BBBS program. I see the BBBS as a preventative and proactive organization that changes the lives and trajectories of children and their families, giving them the opportunities to reach their full potential.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
In my latest book, Housing Humans, I discuss several different elements of my life and all experience that led me to ultimately pursue a career and dedicate my life to helping find better solutions for homelessness, veterans and other disenfranchised human beings in our great country.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, no I try to write when I am able to and as a leader of one of the major housing authorities in the US, it’s very hard to find time. I enjoy it though, so I make time!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America and Redevelopment and Race: Planning a Finer City in Postwar Detroit
What are you working on now?
I am working on trying to bring more awareness to how broken our national housing policy is and also available solutions. I am working with housing development affairs, local housing authorities and also some private tech businesses on some out-of-the-box solutions.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Oh, I love the website that was created for me! It’s www.eugenejonesjr.com
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be patient with yourself and only write when you feel passionate about it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“You are a light. You are the light. Never let anyone — any person or any force — dampen, dim or diminish your light … Release the need to hate, to harbor division, and the enticement of revenge. Release all bitterness. Hold only love, only peace in your heart, knowing that the battle of good to overcome evil is already won.” – John Lewis
What are you reading now?
Think Big, Act Small by Jason Jennings
What’s next for you as a writer?
I think I will write about the broken system of customer service in our country, what it’s become in my opinion and suggest some solutions there- some human solutions.
What is your favorite book of all time?
To Kill a Mockingbird
Author Websites and Profiles
Eugene E. Jones, Jr. Website
Eugene E. Jones, Jr. Amazon Profile
Eugene E. Jones, Jr.’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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