TESTIMONY
Omarax Rosa, Director of Housing Justice at the Harlem Community Justice Center, on the Importance of Addressing Economic Justice and Housing Instability
4:30:51
·
3 min
Omarax Rosa discusses the critical role of economic justice in community well-being and highlights the challenges in addressing housing instability in New York City.
- Emphasizes that addressing housing issues early can prevent legal system involvement.
- Discusses specific problems including housing voucher programs, the one-shot deal, SNAP replacement, and lack of affordable housing.
- Urges adequate support for nonprofits like the Center for Justice Innovation and city agencies in the year's budget.
- Highlights New York City's housing crisis with less than 1% of apartments affordable to those making $60,000 a year or more.
- Advocates for enhanced partnership with the Council to ensure accessible, fair housing courts, and resource centers with necessary resources for the community.
Omarax Rosa
4:30:51
Good afternoon, Sherry Yalla and his team members of the General Warfare Committee My name is Omerix Rosa, and I am the director of housing justice at the Harlem Community Justice Center, a program at the Harlem of the Center for Justice Innovation.
4:31:09
Economic Justice is a crucial component of what allows a community to thrive.
4:31:14
Housing instability can poverty impact individuals greatly.
4:31:20
While many programs have been made, available to support low income families.
4:31:27
The provisions of such have been diminished by a myriad of issues.
4:31:35
By addressing issues early, we keep people safely housed and avoid the legal system involvement.
4:31:44
The center serves as a bridge between the system and and the communities developing strategies to advance access to justice and improve economic housing security.
4:31:58
Today, I will be discussing the main issues that the centers that have seen residents seeking to resolve.
4:32:07
Housing voucher program, the one shot deal, snap replacement, and also that their of affordable housing.
4:32:16
We ask the council, insurers that nonprofits like the Center for Justice Innovation and city agencies doing this valuable and meaningful work are adequately supported in this year's budget.
4:32:36
New York City is in a housing crisis.
4:32:40
Less than 1% of apartments our price below $2400 above making it only affordable to those who who make $60,000 a year or more.
4:32:58
Sorry.
4:33:00
The well, the Harlem Community Justice Center And the Center for Justice Innovation after years of tackling our clients.
4:33:16
Housing concerns at every level.
4:33:19
The center stands ready to enhance its partnership with this Council to better address the housing issues for New York.
4:33:27
It is critical.
4:33:30
To ensure housing, courts, and resource centers are accessible, fair, and are able had the mush needed assist assistance and resources available to the community.
4:33:44
The Center for Justice Innovation looks forward to continuing to partner with the council to ensure that New Yorkers can live safely and securely in their homes.
4:33:56
Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
