Photos: In Over a Dozen Cities, Housing Activists Connect HUD Cuts and Local Issues
We share images from six of the cities around the country where members of three national organizing networks took action on May 20 to protest cuts to federal housing funding and lift up local solutions.
TUCSON, ARIZONA—Members of Tucson Tenants Union, Poder Casas Móviles, and Casa Maria attempted to deliver Brian Bowers, the owner of Spanish Trail apartments, an eviction notice for years of reported neglect, such as leaving tenants without power or air conditioning during extreme heat, and retaliatory practices against tenants for organizing. Though they were prevented from entering the property, they spoke about the issues and followed up with a community dinner in the parking lot of the neighboring El Camino Motel, which is owned by Casa Maria. While this local action targeted one complex, organizers emphasized that the housing crisis in Tucson extends far beyond one landlord or one type of housing, and called for “rent control, relocation assistance, safe and secure housing, and social housing for all.” Photo by JPOP Photon, LLC
BOSTON—Hundreds of people marched from the John F. Kennedy Federal Building in City Hall Plaza, where they rallied against federal housing budget cuts, to the Massachusetts State House, where they called for a lifting of the ban on rent control and commitment to affordable social housing for all. Photo by Lee-Danial Tran
BOSTON—Hundreds of people marched from the John F. Kennedy Federal Building in City Hall Plaza, where they rallied against federal housing budget cuts, to the Massachusetts State House, where they called for a lifting of the ban on rent control and commitment to affordable social housing for all. Photo by Lee-Danial Tran
BOSTON—Hundreds of people marched from the John F. Kennedy Federal Building in City Hall Plaza, where they rallied against federal housing budget cuts, to the Massachusetts State House, where they called for a lifting of the ban on rent control and commitment to affordable social housing for all. Photo by Lee-Danial Tran
BOSTON—Hundreds of people marched from the John F. Kennedy Federal Building in City Hall Plaza, where they rallied against federal housing budget cuts, to the Massachusetts State House, where they called for a lifting of the ban on rent control and commitment to affordable social housing for all. Photo by Lee-Danial Tran
BOSTON—Hundreds of people marched from the John F. Kennedy Federal Building in City Hall Plaza, where they rallied against federal housing budget cuts, to the Massachusetts State House, where they called for a lifting of the ban on rent control and commitment to affordable social housing for all. Photo by Lee-Danial Tran
BOSTON—Hundreds of people marched from the John F. Kennedy Federal Building in City Hall Plaza, where they rallied against federal housing budget cuts, to the Massachusetts State House, where they called for a lifting of the ban on rent control and commitment to affordable social housing for all. Photo by Lee-Danial Tran
BOSTON—Hundreds of people marched from the John F. Kennedy Federal Building in City Hall Plaza, where they rallied against federal housing budget cuts, to the Massachusetts State House, where they called for a lifting of the ban on rent control and commitment to affordable social housing for all. Photo by Lee-Danial Tran
BOSTON—Hundreds of people marched from the John F. Kennedy Federal Building in City Hall Plaza, where they rallied against federal housing budget cuts, to the Massachusetts State House, where they called for a lifting of the ban on rent control and commitment to affordable social housing for all. Photo by Lee-Danial Tran
BOSTON—Hundreds of people marched from the John F. Kennedy Federal Building in City Hall Plaza, where they rallied against federal housing budget cuts, to the Massachusetts State House, where they called for a lifting of the ban on rent control and commitment to affordable social housing for all. Photo by Lee-Danial Tran
BOSTON—Hundreds of people marched from the John F. Kennedy Federal Building in City Hall Plaza, where they rallied against federal housing budget cuts, to the Massachusetts State House, where they called for a lifting of the ban on rent control and commitment to affordable social housing for all. Photo by Lee-Danial Tran
BOSTON—Hundreds of people marched from the John F. Kennedy Federal Building in City Hall Plaza, where they rallied against federal housing budget cuts, to the Massachusetts State House, where they called for a lifting of the ban on rent control and commitment to affordable social housing for all. Photo by Lee-Danial Tran
BOSTON—Hundreds of people marched from the John F. Kennedy Federal Building in City Hall Plaza, where they rallied against federal housing budget cuts, to the Massachusetts State House, where they called for a lifting of the ban on rent control and commitment to affordable social housing for all. Photo by Lee-Danial Tran
BOSTON—Hundreds of people marched from the John F. Kennedy Federal Building in City Hall Plaza, where they rallied against federal housing budget cuts, to the Massachusetts State House, where they called for a lifting of the ban on rent control and commitment to affordable social housing for all. Photo by Lee-Danial Tran
BOSTON—Hundreds of people marched from the John F. Kennedy Federal Building in City Hall Plaza, where they rallied against federal housing budget cuts, to the Massachusetts State House, where they called for a lifting of the ban on rent control and commitment to affordable social housing for all. Photo by Lee-Danial Tran
BOSTON—Hundreds of people marched from the John F. Kennedy Federal Building in City Hall Plaza, where they rallied against federal housing budget cuts, to the Massachusetts State House, where they called for a lifting of the ban on rent control and commitment to affordable social housing for all. Photo by Lee-Danial Tran
BOSTON—Hundreds of people marched from the John F. Kennedy Federal Building in City Hall Plaza, where they rallied against federal housing budget cuts, to the Massachusetts State House, where they called for a lifting of the ban on rent control and commitment to affordable social housing for all. Photo by Lee-Danial Tran
BOSTON—Hundreds of people marched from the John F. Kennedy Federal Building in City Hall Plaza, where they rallied against federal housing budget cuts, to the Massachusetts State House, where they called for a lifting of the ban on rent control and commitment to affordable social housing for all. Photo by Lee-Danial Tran
BOSTON—Hundreds of people marched from the John F. Kennedy Federal Building in City Hall Plaza, where they rallied against federal housing budget cuts, to the Massachusetts State House, where they called for a lifting of the ban on rent control and commitment to affordable social housing for all. Photo by Lee-Danial Tran
BOSTON—Hundreds of people marched from the John F. Kennedy Federal Building in City Hall Plaza, where they rallied against federal housing budget cuts, to the Massachusetts State House, where they called for a lifting of the ban on rent control and commitment to affordable social housing for all. Photo by Lee-Danial Tran
TUCSON, ARIZONA—Members of Tucson Tenants Union, Poder Casas Móviles, and Casa Maria attempted to deliver Brian Bowers, the owner of Spanish Trail apartments, an eviction notice for years of reported neglect, such as leaving tenants without power or air conditioning during extreme heat, and retaliatory practices against tenants for organizing. Though they were prevented from entering the property, they spoke about the issues and followed up with a community dinner in the parking lot of the neighboring El Camino Motel, which is owned by Casa Maria. While this local action targeted one complex, organizers emphasized that the housing crisis in Tucson extends far beyond one landlord or one type of housing, and called for “rent control, relocation assistance, safe and secure housing, and social housing for all.” Photo by JPOP Photon, LLC
TUCSON, ARIZONA—Members of Tucson Tenants Union, Poder Casas Móviles, and Casa Maria attempted to deliver Brian Bowers, the owner of Spanish Trail apartments, an eviction notice for years of reported neglect, such as leaving tenants without power or air conditioning during extreme heat, and retaliatory practices against tenants for organizing. Though they were prevented from entering the property, they spoke about the issues and followed up with a community dinner in the parking lot of the neighboring El Camino Motel, which is owned by Casa Maria. While this local action targeted one complex, organizers emphasized that the housing crisis in Tucson extends far beyond one landlord or one type of housing, and called for “rent control, relocation assistance, safe and secure housing, and social housing for all.” Photo by JPOP Photon, LLC
TUCSON, ARIZONA—Members of Tucson Tenants Union, Poder Casas Móviles, and Casa Maria attempted to deliver Brian Bowers, the owner of Spanish Trail apartments, an eviction notice for years of reported neglect, such as leaving tenants without power or air conditioning during extreme heat, and retaliatory practices against tenants for organizing. Though they were prevented from entering the property, they spoke about the issues and followed up with a community dinner in the parking lot of the neighboring El Camino Motel, which is owned by Casa Maria. While this local action targeted one complex, organizers emphasized that the housing crisis in Tucson extends far beyond one landlord or one type of housing, and called for “rent control, relocation assistance, safe and secure housing, and social housing for all.” Photo by JPOP Photon, LLC
TUCSON, ARIZONA—Members of Tucson Tenants Union, Poder Casas Móviles, and Casa Maria attempted to deliver Brian Bowers, the owner of Spanish Trail apartments, an eviction notice for years of reported neglect, such as leaving tenants without power or air conditioning during extreme heat, and retaliatory practices against tenants for organizing. Though they were prevented from entering the property, they spoke about the issues and followed up with a community dinner in the parking lot of the neighboring El Camino Motel, which is owned by Casa Maria. While this local action targeted one complex, organizers emphasized that the housing crisis in Tucson extends far beyond one landlord or one type of housing, and called for “rent control, relocation assistance, safe and secure housing, and social housing for all.” Photo by JPOP Photon, LLC
TUCSON, ARIZONA—Members of Tucson Tenants Union, Poder Casas Móviles, and Casa Maria attempted to deliver Brian Bowers, the owner of Spanish Trail apartments, an eviction notice for years of reported neglect, such as leaving tenants without power or air conditioning during extreme heat, and retaliatory practices against tenants for organizing. Though they were prevented from entering the property, they spoke about the issues and followed up with a community dinner in the parking lot of the neighboring El Camino Motel, which is owned by Casa Maria. While this local action targeted one complex, organizers emphasized that the housing crisis in Tucson extends far beyond one landlord or one type of housing, and called for “rent control, relocation assistance, safe and secure housing, and social housing for all.” Photo by JPOP Photon, LLC
TUCSON, ARIZONA—Members of Tucson Tenants Union, Poder Casas Móviles, and Casa Maria attempted to deliver Brian Bowers, the owner of Spanish Trail apartments, an eviction notice for years of reported neglect, such as leaving tenants without power or air conditioning during extreme heat, and retaliatory practices against tenants for organizing. Though they were prevented from entering the property, they spoke about the issues and followed up with a community dinner in the parking lot of the neighboring El Camino Motel, which is owned by Casa Maria. While this local action targeted one complex, organizers emphasized that the housing crisis in Tucson extends far beyond one landlord or one type of housing, and called for “rent control, relocation assistance, safe and secure housing, and social housing for all.” Photo by JPOP Photon, LLC
TUCSON, ARIZONA—Members of Tucson Tenants Union, Poder Casas Móviles, and Casa Maria attempted to deliver Brian Bowers, the owner of Spanish Trail apartments, an eviction notice for years of reported neglect, such as leaving tenants without power or air conditioning during extreme heat, and retaliatory practices against tenants for organizing. Though they were prevented from entering the property, they spoke about the issues and followed up with a community dinner in the parking lot of the neighboring El Camino Motel, which is owned by Casa Maria. While this local action targeted one complex, organizers emphasized that the housing crisis in Tucson extends far beyond one landlord or one type of housing, and called for “rent control, relocation assistance, safe and secure housing, and social housing for all.” Photo by JPOP Photon, LLC
TUCSON, ARIZONA—Members of Tucson Tenants Union, Poder Casas Móviles, and Casa Maria attempted to deliver Brian Bowers, the owner of Spanish Trail apartments, an eviction notice for years of reported neglect, such as leaving tenants without power or air conditioning during extreme heat, and retaliatory practices against tenants for organizing. Though they were prevented from entering the property, they spoke about the issues and followed up with a community dinner in the parking lot of the neighboring El Camino Motel, which is owned by Casa Maria. While this local action targeted one complex, organizers emphasized that the housing crisis in Tucson extends far beyond one landlord or one type of housing, and called for “rent control, relocation assistance, safe and secure housing, and social housing for all.” Photo by JPOP Photon, LLC
TUCSON, ARIZONA—Members of Tucson Tenants Union, Poder Casas Móviles, and Casa Maria attempted to deliver Brian Bowers, the owner of Spanish Trail apartments, an eviction notice for years of reported neglect, such as leaving tenants without power or air conditioning during extreme heat, and retaliatory practices against tenants for organizing. Though they were prevented from entering the property, they spoke about the issues and followed up with a community dinner in the parking lot of the neighboring El Camino Motel, which is owned by Casa Maria. While this local action targeted one complex, organizers emphasized that the housing crisis in Tucson extends far beyond one landlord or one type of housing, and called for “rent control, relocation assistance, safe and secure housing, and social housing for all.” Photo by JPOP Photon, LLC
TUCSON, ARIZONA—Members of Tucson Tenants Union, Poder Casas Móviles, and Casa Maria attempted to deliver Brian Bowers, the owner of Spanish Trail apartments, an eviction notice for years of reported neglect, such as leaving tenants without power or air conditioning during extreme heat, and retaliatory practices against tenants for organizing. Though they were prevented from entering the property, they spoke about the issues and followed up with a community dinner in the parking lot of the neighboring El Camino Motel, which is owned by Casa Maria. While this local action targeted one complex, organizers emphasized that the housing crisis in Tucson extends far beyond one landlord or one type of housing, and called for “rent control, relocation assistance, safe and secure housing, and social housing for all.” Photo by JPOP Photon, LLC
TUCSON, ARIZONA—Members of Tucson Tenants Union, Poder Casas Móviles, and Casa Maria attempted to deliver Brian Bowers, the owner of Spanish Trail apartments, an eviction notice for years of reported neglect, such as leaving tenants without power or air conditioning during extreme heat, and retaliatory practices against tenants for organizing. Though they were prevented from entering the property, they spoke about the issues and followed up with a community dinner in the parking lot of the neighboring El Camino Motel, which is owned by Casa Maria. While this local action targeted one complex, organizers emphasized that the housing crisis in Tucson extends far beyond one landlord or one type of housing, and called for “rent control, relocation assistance, safe and secure housing, and social housing for all.” Photo by JPOP Photon, LLC
TUCSON, ARIZONA—Members of Tucson Tenants Union, Poder Casas Móviles, and Casa Maria attempted to deliver Brian Bowers, the owner of Spanish Trail apartments, an eviction notice for years of reported neglect, such as leaving tenants without power or air conditioning during extreme heat, and retaliatory practices against tenants for organizing. Though they were prevented from entering the property, they spoke about the issues and followed up with a community dinner in the parking lot of the neighboring El Camino Motel, which is owned by Casa Maria. While this local action targeted one complex, organizers emphasized that the housing crisis in Tucson extends far beyond one landlord or one type of housing, and called for “rent control, relocation assistance, safe and secure housing, and social housing for all.” Photo by JPOP Photon, LLC
TUCSON, ARIZONA—Members of Tucson Tenants Union, Poder Casas Móviles, and Casa Maria attempted to deliver Brian Bowers, the owner of Spanish Trail apartments, an eviction notice for years of reported neglect, such as leaving tenants without power or air conditioning during extreme heat, and retaliatory practices against tenants for organizing. Though they were prevented from entering the property, they spoke about the issues and followed up with a community dinner in the parking lot of the neighboring El Camino Motel, which is owned by Casa Maria. While this local action targeted one complex, organizers emphasized that the housing crisis in Tucson extends far beyond one landlord or one type of housing, and called for “rent control, relocation assistance, safe and secure housing, and social housing for all.” Photo by JPOP Photon, LLC
TUCSON, ARIZONA—Members of Tucson Tenants Union, Poder Casas Móviles, and Casa Maria attempted to deliver Brian Bowers, the owner of Spanish Trail apartments, an eviction notice for years of reported neglect, such as leaving tenants without power or air conditioning during extreme heat, and retaliatory practices against tenants for organizing. Though they were prevented from entering the property, they spoke about the issues and followed up with a community dinner in the parking lot of the neighboring El Camino Motel, which is owned by Casa Maria. While this local action targeted one complex, organizers emphasized that the housing crisis in Tucson extends far beyond one landlord or one type of housing, and called for “rent control, relocation assistance, safe and secure housing, and social housing for all.” Photo by JPOP Photon, LLC
TUCSON, ARIZONA—Members of Tucson Tenants Union, Poder Casas Móviles, and Casa Maria attempted to deliver Brian Bowers, the owner of Spanish Trail apartments, an eviction notice for years of reported neglect, such as leaving tenants without power or air conditioning during extreme heat, and retaliatory practices against tenants for organizing. Though they were prevented from entering the property, they spoke about the issues and followed up with a community dinner in the parking lot of the neighboring El Camino Motel, which is owned by Casa Maria. While this local action targeted one complex, organizers emphasized that the housing crisis in Tucson extends far beyond one landlord or one type of housing, and called for “rent control, relocation assistance, safe and secure housing, and social housing for all.” Photo by JPOP Photon, LLC
TUCSON, ARIZONA—Members of Tucson Tenants Union, Poder Casas Móviles, and Casa Maria attempted to deliver Brian Bowers, the owner of Spanish Trail apartments, an eviction notice for years of reported neglect, such as leaving tenants without power or air conditioning during extreme heat, and retaliatory practices against tenants for organizing. Though they were prevented from entering the property, they spoke about the issues and followed up with a community dinner in the parking lot of the neighboring El Camino Motel, which is owned by Casa Maria. While this local action targeted one complex, organizers emphasized that the housing crisis in Tucson extends far beyond one landlord or one type of housing, and called for “rent control, relocation assistance, safe and secure housing, and social housing for all.” Photo by JPOP Photon, LLC
DETROIT—Residents and advocates testified before Detroit City Council during the public comment period at the Committee of the Whole meeting May 20, as part of the National Day of Action on Housing, advocating for community-controlled housing policies that ensure safe, stable, and affordable homes for all. “We’re calling for permanent affordability through social housing — a model that centers people, not profit,” said Kea Mathis a lead organizer with Detroit People’s Platform. Photo by Elonte Davis Photography
DETROIT—Residents and advocates testified before Detroit City Council during the public comment period at the Committee of the Whole meeting May 20, as part of the National Day of Action on Housing, advocating for community-controlled housing policies that ensure safe, stable, and affordable homes for all. “We’re calling for permanent affordability through social housing — a model that centers people, not profit,” said Kea Mathis a lead organizer with Detroit People’s Platform. Photo by Elonte Davis Photography
DETROIT—Residents and advocates testified before Detroit City Council during the public comment period at the Committee of the Whole meeting May 20, as part of the National Day of Action on Housing, advocating for community-controlled housing policies that ensure safe, stable, and affordable homes for all. “We’re calling for permanent affordability through social housing — a model that centers people, not profit,” said Kea Mathis a lead organizer with Detroit People’s Platform. Photo by Elonte Davis Photography
DETROIT—Residents and advocates testified before Detroit City Council during the public comment period at the Committee of the Whole meeting May 20, as part of the National Day of Action on Housing, advocating for community-controlled housing policies that ensure safe, stable, and affordable homes for all. “We’re calling for permanent affordability through social housing — a model that centers people, not profit,” said Kea Mathis a lead organizer with Detroit People’s Platform. Photo by Elonte Davis Photography
DETROIT—Residents and advocates testified before Detroit City Council during the public comment period at the Committee of the Whole meeting May 20, as part of the National Day of Action on Housing, advocating for community-controlled housing policies that ensure safe, stable, and affordable homes for all. “We’re calling for permanent affordability through social housing — a model that centers people, not profit,” said Kea Mathis a lead organizer with Detroit People’s Platform. Photo by Elonte Davis Photography
DETROIT—Residents and advocates testified before Detroit City Council during the public comment period at the Committee of the Whole meeting May 20, as part of the National Day of Action on Housing, advocating for community-controlled housing policies that ensure safe, stable, and affordable homes for all. “We’re calling for permanent affordability through social housing — a model that centers people, not profit,” said Kea Mathis a lead organizer with Detroit People’s Platform. Photo by Elonte Davis Photography
DETROIT—Residents and advocates testified before Detroit City Council during the public comment period at the Committee of the Whole meeting May 20, as part of the National Day of Action on Housing, advocating for community-controlled housing policies that ensure safe, stable, and affordable homes for all. “We’re calling for permanent affordability through social housing — a model that centers people, not profit,” said Kea Mathis a lead organizer with Detroit People’s Platform. Photo by Elonte Davis Photography
DETROIT—Residents and advocates testified before Detroit City Council during the public comment period at the Committee of the Whole meeting May 20, as part of the National Day of Action on Housing, advocating for community-controlled housing policies that ensure safe, stable, and affordable homes for all. “We’re calling for permanent affordability through social housing — a model that centers people, not profit,” said Kea Mathis a lead organizer with Detroit People’s Platform. Photo by Elonte Davis Photography
DETROIT—Residents and advocates testified before Detroit City Council during the public comment period at the Committee of the Whole meeting May 20, as part of the National Day of Action on Housing, advocating for community-controlled housing policies that ensure safe, stable, and affordable homes for all. “We’re calling for permanent affordability through social housing — a model that centers people, not profit,” said Kea Mathis a lead organizer with Detroit People’s Platform. Photo by Elonte Davis Photography
DETROIT—Residents and advocates testified before Detroit City Council during the public comment period at the Committee of the Whole meeting May 20, as part of the National Day of Action on Housing, advocating for community-controlled housing policies that ensure safe, stable, and affordable homes for all. “We’re calling for permanent affordability through social housing — a model that centers people, not profit,” said Kea Mathis a lead organizer with Detroit People’s Platform. Photo by Elonte Davis Photography
DETROIT—Residents and advocates testified before Detroit City Council during the public comment period at the Committee of the Whole meeting May 20, as part of the National Day of Action on Housing, advocating for community-controlled housing policies that ensure safe, stable, and affordable homes for all. “We’re calling for permanent affordability through social housing — a model that centers people, not profit,” said Kea Mathis a lead organizer with Detroit People’s Platform. Photo by Elonte Davis Photography
DETROIT—Residents and advocates testified before Detroit City Council during the public comment period at the Committee of the Whole meeting May 20, as part of the National Day of Action on Housing, advocating for community-controlled housing policies that ensure safe, stable, and affordable homes for all. “We’re calling for permanent affordability through social housing — a model that centers people, not profit,” said Kea Mathis a lead organizer with Detroit People’s Platform. Photo by Elonte Davis Photography
NEW ORLEANS—In a speak-out and press conference organized by Jane Place Sustainability Initiative and NOLA Renters Rights Assembly, members of the Willows Tenants Union in New Orleans called on the city for anti-displacement and relocation funds as they continue to deal with unhealthy and hazardous conditions in their homes after successfully organizing to get their property manager dismissed. Photo by La’Shance Perry / The Lens
NEW ORLEANS—In a speak-out and press conference organized by Jane Place Sustainability Initiative and NOLA Renters Rights Assembly, members of the Willows Tenants Union in New Orleans called on the city for anti-displacement and relocation funds as they continue to deal with unhealthy and hazardous conditions in their homes after successfully organizing to get their property manager dismissed. Photo by La’Shance Perry / The Lens
NEW ORLEANS—In a speak-out and press conference organized by Jane Place Sustainability Initiative and NOLA Renters Rights Assembly, members of the Willows Tenants Union in New Orleans called on the city for anti-displacement and relocation funds as they continue to deal with unhealthy and hazardous conditions in their homes after successfully organizing to get their property manager dismissed. Photo by La’Shance Perry / The Lens
NEW ORLEANS—In a speak-out and press conference organized by Jane Place Sustainability Initiative and NOLA Renters Rights Assembly, members of the Willows Tenants Union in New Orleans called on the city for anti-displacement and relocation funds as they continue to deal with unhealthy and hazardous conditions in their homes after successfully organizing to get their property manager dismissed. Photo by La’Shance Perry / The Lens
NEW ORLEANS—In a speak-out and press conference organized by Jane Place Sustainability Initiative and NOLA Renters Rights Assembly, members of the Willows Tenants Union in New Orleans called on the city for anti-displacement and relocation funds as they continue to deal with unhealthy and hazardous conditions in their homes after successfully organizing to get their property manager dismissed. Pictured is Frank Southall, community engagement manager for Jane Place. Photo by La’Shance Perry / The Lens
NEW ORLEANS—In a speak-out and press conference organized by Jane Place Sustainability Initiative and NOLA Renters Rights Assembly, members of the Willows Tenants Union in New Orleans called on the city for anti-displacement and relocation funds as they continue to deal with unhealthy and hazardous conditions in their homes after successfully organizing to get their property manager dismissed. Seated at the table is Eunice Ransfer, a tenant at the Willows on and off since 2005. Photo by La’Shance Perry / The Lens
NEW ORLEANS—In a speak-out and press conference organized by Jane Place Sustainability Initiative and NOLA Renters Rights Assembly, members of the Willows Tenants Union in New Orleans called on the city for anti-displacement and relocation funds as they continue to deal with unhealthy and hazardous conditions in their homes after successfully organizing to get their property manager dismissed. Photo by La’Shance Perry / The Lens
NEW ORLEANS—In a speak-out and press conference organized by Jane Place Sustainability Initiative and NOLA Renters Rights Assembly, members of the Willows Tenants Union in New Orleans called on the city for anti-displacement and relocation funds as they continue to deal with unhealthy and hazardous conditions in their homes after successfully organizing to get their property manager dismissed. Photo by La’Shance Perry / The Lens
ALBANY, N.Y.—Tenant and homeless activists gathered in Albany, New York, for the National Day of Action for Housing. Photo by Miriam Axel-Lute, photo editing by Shannon Simpson
ALBANY, N.Y.—Tenant and homeless activists gathered in Albany, New York, for the National Day of Action for Housing. Photo by Miriam Axel-Lute, photo editing by Shannon Simpson
ALBANY, N.Y.—Tamara Allen, a member of the Ida Yarborough Tenant Union, speaks about the challenges residents are having with the Albany Housing Authority about repairs and security in their building, which has gone through the Rental Assistance Demonstration conversion. Photo by Miriam Axel-Lute, photo editing by Shannon Simpson
ALBANY, N.Y.—Melinda Pierce, a member of the Danker Village Tenant Union in Albany, New York, speaks about their struggles with their landlord. Photo by Miriam Axel-Lute, photo editing by Shannon Simpson
ALBANY, N.Y.—Tenant and homeless activists gathered in Albany, New York, for the National Day of Action for Housing. Photo by Miriam Axel-Lute, photo editing by Shannon Simpson
ALBANY, N.Y.—Henry North, a resident of Ida Yarborough Homes in Albany, says people in need of housing need to be treated with more dignity. Photo by Miriam Axel-Lute, photo editing by Shannon Simpson
ALBANY, N.Y.—Albany, N.Y., Common Council Member Alfredo Balarín speaks about the effect of drastic cuts to Section 8. Photo by Miriam Axel-Lute, photo editing by Shannon Simpson
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Rep. Rashida Talib speaks at the National Day of Action for Housing on May 20 to protest proposed cuts to HUD. Photo by Bora Chung | Survival Media Agency | [email protected]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Tenants, unhoused communities, and housing advocates gathered in Washington, D.C., for a National Day of Action for Housing on May 20 to protest proposed cuts to HUD. The event was organized by Right to the City, Popular Democracy, and People’s Action Institute. Photo courtesy of Popular Democracy and People’s Action Institute
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Tenants, unhoused communities, and housing advocates gathered in Washington, D.C., for a National Day of Action for Housing on May 20 to protest proposed cuts to HUD. The event was organized by Right to the City, Popular Democracy, and People’s Action Institute. Photo courtesy of Popular Democracy and People’s Action Institute
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Tenants, unhoused communities, and housing advocates gathered in Washington, D.C., for a National Day of Action for Housing on May 20 to protest proposed cuts to HUD. The event was organized by Right to the City, Popular Democracy, and People’s Action Institute. Photo by Bora Chung | Survival Media Agency, [email protected]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Tenants, unhoused communities, and housing advocates gathered in Washington, D.C., for a National Day of Action for Housing on May 20 to protest proposed cuts to HUD. The event was organized by Right to the City, Popular Democracy, and People’s Action Institute. Photo by Bora Chung | Survival Media Agency, [email protected]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Tenants, unhoused communities, and housing advocates gathered in Washington, D.C., for a National Day of Action for Housing on May 20 to protest proposed cuts to HUD. The event was organized by Right to the City, Popular Democracy, and People’s Action Institute. Photo by Bora Chung | Survival Media Agency, [email protected]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Tenants, unhoused communities, and housing advocates gathered in Washington, D.C., for a National Day of Action for Housing on May 20 to protest proposed cuts to HUD. The event was organized by Right to the City, Popular Democracy, and People’s Action Institute. Photo by Bora Chung | Survival Media Agency, [email protected]
On Tuesday, May 20, tenants and housing advocates across the country took to the streets for a National Day of Action on Housing. Member groups from Right to the City, People’s Action Institute, and Popular Democracy turned out in more than a dozen different cities, including Washington, D.C., to oppose proposed cuts to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) budget, and connect the struggle for decent housing with local issues.
In Albany, New York, for example, tenants from two different tenant unions—one from a privately owned building, and one from a public housing building—spoke about their struggles with getting timely repairs. “Who do you turn to when the landlord ignores just cause [eviction protections]?” wondered Melinda Pierce, a leader from the Danker Village Tenants Union. “It’s not like you can call 911 and say my [property] manager chooses not to acknowledge the law, and they’re trying to make me pay $600 more in rent.” Tamara Allen, from the Ida Yarborough Tenants Union, spoke about the tenants’ troubles getting the Albany Housing Authority to respond to security issues and repairs, while Richard Johnson, a member of the National Union of the Homeless, described the challenges of being expected to turn over 90 percent of his disability check to stay housed.
Albany Common Council member Alfredo Balarin, himself a landlord, spoke about the disaster that would be caused by proposed deep cuts to Section 8. “This is going to affect about 5,000 families in our city,” he said. “That is a huge number. And it’s not just here. This is nationwide . . . Nowhere have I gone where they said [the cost of] housing has gone down.”
“But our checks aren’t going up!” called out someone from the crowd.
Speakers also celebrated a recent win at the New York state level to pass a $50 million state housing voucher program pilot, and called for rent control, including the passage of a state-level bill known as the Rent Emergency Stabilization for Tenants (REST) Act, that would make it easier for municipalities to pass rent regulations.
Several hundred people attended the rally in Washington, D.C., where Reps. Rashida Talib (D-Michigan), Delia Ramirez (D-Illinois), and Summer Lee (D-Pennsylvania) spoke. The rally focused on HUD cuts, and included attendees from organizations in Nevada, Texas, Arkansas, North Carolina, Maine, New York, and Kentucky. The Boston event focused on calling for rent control, while the New Orleans event spotlighted a tenant union at a distressed property that is calling on the city for anti-displacement funding and relocation assistance. In Minnesota, Duluth Tenants spent the day canvassing for their right to repair campaign, while in Arizona, Tucson Tenants Union symbolically evicted a slumlord. In San Antonio, Texas, Esperanza Peace and Justice Center used their event to launch an “I love public housing” campaign, and Detroit People’s Platform focused on building support at the city level for action on permanent affordability by speaking at a city council meeting.
Enjoy these photos from several of the National Day of Action for Housing events. Did you attend one? Add your observations in the comments.
Tenant organizers and advocates say the only way to protect communities is to stay the course—organizing for housing rights, tenant protections, and political power.
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