Tenants in government-subsidized buildings have long had to contend with issues such as substandard housing conditions, lack of repairs, abusive or deceptive management, discrimination, and harassment. They are the people most affected by changes to welfare or subsidized housing policies, by gentrification and urban displacement, and by the government's chronic underinvestment in affordable housing. As individuals, tenants are unable to have their concerns addressed, and are often ignored by owners, management, and public officials.
Organizing is the act of gathering a group of people with shared concerns, backgrounds, and/or lived experiences in order to work as a collective to address the issues they face. By coming together, they build the necessary power to force action and attention from people and institutions in ways that were not possible when they fought alone. Going from individual tenants, to getting organized into a tenants association with clear demands, and the ability to support each other in fighting for them, is the first and most critical step to winning repairs, negotiating with property owners and management, and Saving Our Homes as long-term affordable housing. Learn how to start and sustain a tenant association in your building, and who might be able to help you in your fight!
How to Start a Tenant Association
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