In testimony before the New York City Council’s Committee on Public Housing, Mobilization for Justice Supervising Attorney Justin LaMort urges lawmakers to look carefully at the impact of the Rental Assistance Demonstration program on tenants, which provides federal funding to convert public housing properties into Section 8 project-based housing. While data is sketchy, preliminary research shows greater turnover of tenants and increased evictions. Loopholes in the statute allow developers to reduce the total number of units, potentially adding to the loss of affordable housing. LaMort urges HUD to collect comprehensive data to ensure compliance with laws, regulations and tenants’ rights and calls on local offficials to provide robust oversight and transparency to avoid these problems.
MOBILIZATION FOR JUSTICE
Mobilization for Justice’s (MFJ) mission is to achieve justice for all. We prioritize the needs of people who are low-income, disenfranchised, or have disabilities as they struggle to overcome the effects of social injustice and systemic racism. We provide the highest-quality free, direct civil legal assistance, conduct community education and build partnerships, engage in policy advocacy, and bring impact litigation. MFJ also promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace, and understands the need to eliminate all racial disparities to achieve justice for all.
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Masthead photo by Cindy Knoke.
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