“2000 pesos to pay a rent when one has two or three children the money that does not give…”
Mildred Cruz’s voice breaks when talking about the situation of her son, who, being a full-time employee, faces a crisis deepened by inflation and a rise in the cost of living in what has been her neighborhood for more than three decades.
“It’s so hard that sometimes he starts crying because he can’t buy food, he can’t pay the rent and he can’t do things with the kids like before,” Cruz said. “And the 15 dollars an hour, which many people think is good, it is not. That is not enough for all the expenses. You stay hungry, you don’t pay your bills, you don’t buy clothes.”
Cruz stepped up to a church near downtown Brooklyn, now surrounded by skyscrapers, on the same day that dozens of religious leaders from various denominations have gathered to underscore the moral urgency of addressing New York’s housing crisis.
The clergy are calling on state political leaders to fight for stronger budget protections to protect tenants struggling to pay rent and stay in their homes.
Samaniego. Activist.
“I have come here to tell all the authorities: senators, congressmen, assembly members, councilors and presidents of all the counties to unite and that they can promote a law to stop and defend the tenants,” said Elsa Samaniego, an activist.
Specifically, they want the approval of two legislative measures: the so-called Good Cause Law to give tenants stronger tools to fight exorbitant rent increases and unfair evictions.
And the Housing Voucher Access Program to establish a rent subsidy through a statewide rental assistance program for homeless New Yorkers and homeless renters.
We are in a truly critical situation, the Ombudsman and the city comptroller agreed.
“Today we are joining over 100 faith leaders across NY to urge Governor Hochul to uphold the universal principle of loving your neighbor.
“Building more housing and increasing tenant rights (#GoodCause, #HAVP) are not mutually exclusive.
“In fact, they work better together. #OurHomesOurPower,” Comptroller Brad Lander wrote in a social media post.
Today we stood w/ 100+ faith leaders across NY to urge Governor Hochul to uphold the universal principle of love thy neighbor.
Building more housing & increasing tenants’ rights (#GoodCause, #HAVP) are not mutually exclusive.
In fact, they work best together.#OurHomesOurPower pic.twitter.com/HYJocoVOtH
— Comptroller Brad Lander (@NYCComptroller) February 9, 2023
The next activity for these religious leaders and activists will take place in Albany on February 14.
