PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Whitney Hu, Director of Civic Engagement and Research at Churches United for Fair Housing, on Illegal Evictions and Cool Homes for All
2:15:13
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112 sec
Whitney Hu, representing Churches United for Fair Housing, expresses strong support for the Illegal Evictions Act and Cool Homes for All legislation. She emphasizes that these bills address systemic inequities in housing and aim to ensure safe, stable, and dignified housing for all New Yorkers.
- The Illegal Evictions Act (Intros 621, 622, 623, 993, and Reso 246) strengthens enforcement against unlawful evictions and increases penalties for violators.
- Cool Homes for All (Intro 994) requires landlords to provide cooling devices, extending protections similar to winter heating laws.
- Both legislative packages aim to hold landlords accountable and protect tenants' rights, particularly in Black, Brown, and low-income communities.
Whitney Hu
2:15:13
I'll go ahead and go first.
2:15:15
Good morning.
2:15:15
My name is Whitney Hu, and I'm the director of civic engagement and research for Churches United for Fair Housing.
2:15:21
At Cuff, we represent over 25,000 members through our 40 church partners in Brooklyn and Queens, and we provide affordable housing services citywide.
2:15:30
I'm here today on behalf of the tenants we serve to express strong support for the illegal evictions act.
2:15:35
Intro 0621, 622, 623, 093, and reso 246.
2:15:41
That's a lot of words.
2:15:42
And cool homes for all, intro 994.
2:15:44
And thank you to council member Nurse and council member Ressler.
2:15:48
These bills share a common goal, ensuring all New Yorkers have access to safe, stable, and dignified housing.
2:15:53
Unlawful evictions and extreme heat related deaths disproportionately impact black, brown, and low income communities, exposing systemic inequities.
2:16:01
When landlords illegally lock out tenants, they strip away basic housing rights, often forcing people into homelessness.
2:16:06
Similarly, tenants without access to cooling during deadly heat waves face unlivable and life threatening conditions, including death.
2:16:13
Both legislative packages address these failures by holding landlords accountable and protecting tenants' rights.
2:16:18
The illegal evictions act strengthens enforcement, provides immediate remedies, and poses significant penalties on violators.
2:16:24
It sends a clear message.
2:16:25
Housing is a human right, and no landlord is above the law.
2:16:28
Cool homes for all ensures tenant safety year round by requiring landlords to provide cooling devices, extending protections already in place for winter heating.
2:16:35
By requiring landlords to provide cooling devices, this legislation ensures tenants can live in homes that are safe year round, not just during the winter when heating laws apply.
2:16:44
Both proposals protect tenants from neglect and abuse while creating clear, enforceable standards for property owners.
2:16:49
Taken together, these bills reinforce the city's commitment to treating housing as a as a right, not a privilege.
2:16:55
They both address immediate harms or laying the groundwork for a more equitable, just housing system in New York City, and would like to thank, the chair for bringing us together.
2:17:03
And that's what I have.
2:17:04
Thank you.
