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REMARKS
Overview of New York City's housing crisis
0:01:14
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80 sec
Council Member Sanchez provides an overview of the severe housing crisis in New York City, emphasizing the human cost and the difficulties faced by residents in finding affordable housing.
- Cites statistics: 1.4% vacancy rate, over half of renters are rent-burdened
- Describes the daily struggle of constituents seeking affordable housing
- Highlights the disparity between the number of applications received and leases signed through Housing Connect
Pierina Ana Sanchez
0:01:14
New York City is in the throes of a housing crisis.
0:01:17
We know the statistics, a 1.4% vacancy rate for rental units with more than half of renters rent burdened and a third of low income renters severely rent burdened.
0:01:28
If you want a low cost unit, you essentially cannot find one.
0:01:32
But today, I urge us to look beyond these statistics and remember the human cost of this crisis and the frustration that New Yorkers experience when even the few resources that we do have available are confusing and difficult to navigate.
0:01:47
Every day in my district office in the West Bronx, we serve dozens of our neighbors who are desperate to find an apartment, to find a safe, affordable place that they can call home.
0:01:58
My staff works tirelessly to help these constituents gather their paperwork, navigate a platform that often leaves them with more questions than answers, and for the lucky few, secure an apartment after months or sometimes years of trying.
0:02:14
But for as much support as we provide, the reality is that for many, the technology has made it harder, not easier, for New Yorkers to find an affordable apartment that meets their needs.
0:02:26
Today, our hope is to shine a light on fundamental issues that continue to plague Housing Connect and turn our collective attention toward solution.