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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Karen Baez, Representative of Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition
3:06:12
·
130 sec
Karen Baez testifies on behalf of the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition, expressing strong support for the package of reforms to improve Housing Connect and the affordable housing lottery system. She highlights the difficulties faced by Bronx residents in navigating the current system and emphasizes the importance of making it more accessible and responsive.
- Advocates for streamlining re-rentals to fill vacant units more quickly
- Supports proposals for text and email notifications and in-person application assistance
- Urges the council to pass the bills to create a more just, transparent, and accessible housing system
Karen Baez
3:06:12
Good afternoon, housing chair Sanchez, and members of the committee.
3:06:17
My name is Karen.
3:06:19
I am testifying on behalf of Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition, a 50 year old member led organization organizing for racial justice and economic democracy.
3:06:31
As you might know, Northwest Bronx started around housing decades ago, in response to redlining and disinvestment.
3:06:38
Unfortunately, is still one of the most important issues facing Bronx residents that are facing displacement, poor housing conditions, and a lack of affordable housing.
3:06:50
I have helped multiple Bronx sites apply through the Housing Connect system and they've all always we always experience, like, difficulties, navigating the system.
3:07:05
We strongly support the package of reforms being considered today to improve Housing Connect and the affordable housing lottery system.
3:07:14
Every day, our members experience profound frustration with the system that often feels inaccessible, confusing, and unresponsive, especially for low income black, brown, immigrant, and older residents.
3:07:26
Filing vacant rental units more quickly is a critical common sense step.
3:07:32
It is unacceptable for units to sit empty while families desperately search for affordable homes.
3:07:38
And streamlining re rentals will move us closer to a system that serves people, not bureaucracy.
3:07:45
We also applaud the proposals to require text and email notifications and provide in person application assistance.
3:07:53
Access to information is access to housing.
3:07:56
Too many residents miss out on opportunities because they never receive updates or because they face technological barriers they cannot overcome alone.
3:08:05
These bills move us toward a more just, transparent, and accessible system.
3:08:10
We urge the council to pass these bills and continue to build housing connect system that really connects our communities.
3:08:20
Thank you so much.
Robert Desir
3:08:17
Thank you.
3:08:17
It's a happy fight.