WEBVTT 00:00:39.000 --> 00:00:43.000 I think everybody should be able to post in the chat. 00:00:43.000 --> 00:00:56.000 Now, but if you want to drop in the chat where you are joining us from please feel free, to do so 00:00:56.000 --> 00:01:09.000 And we'll get started in about 3 men, or so 00:01:09.000 --> 00:01:17.000 Also we have we have shared joining us from Connecticut Marsh training is from Oregon. 00:01:17.000 --> 00:01:36.000 We have Shared Joining Us, from Connecticut, we have Bomani, from New Jersey, Cynthia, from Houston, Sloan from Apple, Seed and South Carolina, We have Heather, from Chicago 00:01:36.000 --> 00:01:55.000 That's awesome 00:01:55.000 --> 00:02:10.000 So we have Linda from Roseville, Patricia, from Atlanta, Julie from Wisconsin, Jose, from morning we have Deborah Joining us from Oregon. 00:02:10.000 --> 00:02:40.000 Thanks for Joining everybody. I'll give it another minute, or so 00:03:49.000 --> 00:03:50.000 Oh, I think I'll go ahead and get a started I think there's still a few people coming in. 00:03:50.000 --> 00:03:59.000 But I'm really excited for today's 10 to talk. Live. 00:03:59.000 --> 00:04:02.000 So We'll just go ahead and get started now and again. 00:04:02.000 --> 00:04:25.000 Thank you, all for joining us. My name is Sidney in Court, and I am a housing advocacy, organizer with the National Income Housing Coalition just give me just a quick second I'm so sorry I I thought I was ready but I need to make sure that I Captions are good 00:04:25.000 --> 00:04:30.000 Sorry about that everybody we'll be troubleshooting it in the background. 00:04:30.000 --> 00:04:35.000 But I did save the transcript so I can send that up to anybody. 00:04:35.000 --> 00:04:40.000 Afterwards, if you're not able to see it, but I think they are on. 00:04:40.000 --> 00:04:45.000 But thank you, thank you everybody for for your patience. 00:04:45.000 --> 00:05:01.000 So again. My name is Sidben Court and I'm a housing habits, organizer with the coalition, and for all of those here, just making sure that you're in the right place We're Doing Tenant, Talk, Live Right now with the National Low Income Housing 00:05:01.000 --> 00:05:10.000 Coalition, and again We're here provide opportunities for residents to connect, not just with Nlhc, but with one another, to talk about Federal housing policy. 00:05:10.000 --> 00:05:15.000 And how they can influence those policies and need in their communities. 00:05:15.000 --> 00:05:20.000 And I'm very excited for today's tenant talk, live where we will be actually having a Fireside. 00:05:20.000 --> 00:05:39.000 Chat? Which is why I have the place behind me with some folks from Nihc's Tenant leader, Cohort who recently went to the White House To Discuss Tenant, Protections and Housing Affordability, at Federal Level and So I'll have a few Folks, Joining Us, but 00:05:39.000 --> 00:05:41.000 before I introduce them, I do want to just go over our basic logistics. 00:05:41.000 --> 00:05:54.000 So the session will be recorded, as it always is and it'll go on Youtube later, this week, if you have any questions, please feel free to use the Q&A feature at the bottom of the Screen. 00:05:54.000 --> 00:06:13.000 You can also use the Chat feature to share any thoughts, that you might have throughout the Webinar, and all of the information, including the Recording, the Chat, the Transcript any links, that are shared will be shared, out, in a recap email that'll go out this Friday, called 00:06:13.000 --> 00:06:32.000 The connection, so be on the lookout, and so again, today will actually be joined by a Guest Moderator, Zalanite Who's an Activist with the Resident united Network in California will also be joined by the slurring brown Who's a Tenant Leader from new York and is also a 00:06:32.000 --> 00:06:47.000 Board Member with Nhc, we also have Dr Bambi Hayes brown, who is a tenant leader from Georgia, and the President and Chief Executive Officer of Georgia, Advancing Communities together, and We also have Lauda Ramos Who's, a 10 Meter, from new 00:06:47.000 --> 00:06:53.000 Jersey, and President of Everyone for Accessible Community Housing Roles, Incorporated. 00:06:53.000 --> 00:06:54.000 And so now I want to welcome Zella and all of our panelists, to come on Screen. 00:06:54.000 --> 00:07:24.000 So we can begin our conversation today and sell. If you want start off by doing your introduction, first and then we'll have everybody kind of introduce themselves briefly, before going into the first question 00:07:41.000 --> 00:07:54.000 Thank you, Sid, and I'll good evening to some of you, good afternoon for some of you, and good morning in other areas, for some I'm selenite. 00:07:54.000 --> 00:07:57.000 I am the President of Resident United network here in Los Angeles. I 00:07:57.000 --> 00:08:11.000 Am one who has lived experience and expertise in regards to being homeless and on house, and I am an activist in regards. 00:08:11.000 --> 00:08:16.000 To the realm of racial equity and disability. Equity. 00:08:16.000 --> 00:08:23.000 So I will pass it to my partners in crime, starting with Miss Brown. 00:08:23.000 --> 00:08:47.000 Good evening, everyone. I'm so Excited being here. I'm just humbled and privileged to be here at the table to be invited by the coalition to chat with you this evening I'm an Activist as Well and I have lived experiences being Homeless I serve on my Community Board as Well 00:08:47.000 --> 00:09:01.000 As a board member with my housing authority and with the national low Income Housing Coalition, and I've been fighting for 10, of Protection Forever. 00:09:01.000 --> 00:09:11.000 And hopefully. This time had in Congress, or put teeth in enforcement, and make our lives better. 00:09:11.000 --> 00:09:13.000 Thank you. 00:09:13.000 --> 00:09:18.000 Dr. Bambi, Brown, Sister Bro. 00:09:18.000 --> 00:09:22.000 Thank you thank you so much. good day. Everyone, my name, is Dr. 00:09:22.000 --> 00:09:41.000 Bambi, Hayes Brown and I. Service, the President and chief executive Officer of Georgia Advancing Communities, together also known as Georgia, Act and We're A Statewide Nonprofit Affordable Housing and Community Development Membership Organization, and I Am also a Person with 00:09:41.000 --> 00:10:07.000 Lived, experience, of Homelessness, the latest time was when I was pregnant with my youngest son, and then also I have lived in public housing, and I am currently a renter who also has a disability so I am a community advocate and we 00:10:07.000 --> 00:10:14.000 Advocate for affordable and equitable houseing on the local State and Federal Level. 00:10:14.000 --> 00:10:38.000 And I Served on Numerous Boards, including the National Income Housing Coalition Board and Service, Secretary for the Atlanta Housing Permission, so I'll it is indeed, an Honor Pleasure to be here, and I. Will turn it over to Laura Ramos 00:10:38.000 --> 00:10:49.000 Hello, everyone, I'm loud on Hermos. I'm a President of everyone for Accessible Community Housing roles. 00:10:49.000 --> 00:11:15.000 I've been doing advocacy work particularly for people with disabilities, the Frail Elderly and the Financially Challenged if for a little over 20 years, and I have lived experienced with homelessness, directly related to Lack of Accessible Housing available as well as the Substandard Housing that is 00:11:15.000 --> 00:11:22.000 Available, which became so bad, that as you can see in this dumpster in the Moonlight photo. 00:11:22.000 --> 00:11:45.000 I took on the last day that we were at our last Apartment, a lot of the things that were ruined by the Toxic Mold, that was caused from water coming under the building which no one in the state of New Jersey would fix 00:11:45.000 --> 00:11:49.000 So 00:11:49.000 --> 00:12:02.000 Disability, equity, and across a racial Groups is very important to me, and I'm really hoping as Mrs. 00:12:02.000 --> 00:12:17.000 Brown said that finally, there are some teeth put into enforcing many of the laws that are already on the books 00:12:17.000 --> 00:12:21.000 So let's dive into our chat, shall we? 00:12:21.000 --> 00:12:51.000 We Add, the Privilege and Honor of Meeting with White Various, White House, Staff in Regards to having a Down Home Discussion, about Tenant Protections, and what our Lived Experience consisted with that so Let's Start the Conversation, what Perspective We're Garnered from the Discussion with the White House, starting with Laura 00:12:52.000 --> 00:13:00.000 Well, I'd like to say I got a full picture but because I could only attend my zoom. 00:13:00.000 --> 00:13:01.000 I got a very limited picture of actual experience in being there. 00:13:01.000 --> 00:13:30.000 I learned a little more talking to people afterwards. But I would say that all the government officials, that I have spoken to these officials, for policy in the white House were the most pro tenant, protections, and for once trying to get equity into the system to remove Systemic 00:13:30.000 --> 00:13:38.000 Discrimination for the elderly people with disabilities and racial equity. 00:13:38.000 --> 00:13:54.000 So I'm not holding my breath, but I'm praying a lot, and I'm really hoping that some teeth can be put into this 00:13:54.000 --> 00:14:20.000 Yes, I was one of the ones who attended in person, and it was definitely very hopeful for me, because all of the Attendees, and those from the Administration really had in an interest in Renters and tenants rights and something that I had not seen before in my 20 Sixth year history of doing this 00:14:20.000 --> 00:14:31.000 work, so that was something that was very pleasing. it was also encouraging for them to say, what can we do? 00:14:31.000 --> 00:14:55.000 And administration to help solve this issue. Give us some concrete ways, or concrete, suggestions, such as my colleague, Laura, I am not holding my breath because they did make it clear that some of the things, may be challenging especially things, that require Congressional 00:14:55.000 --> 00:14:56.000 Action, but things that could be done through. For example, an executive order. 00:14:56.000 --> 00:14:57.000 It was very hopeful. So I found that very encouraging 00:14:57.000 --> 00:15:10.000 How about you, Dr. Brown? 00:15:10.000 --> 00:15:18.000 Yes, thank you. I also was able to participate in person. 00:15:18.000 --> 00:15:28.000 And I sincerely believe that the White House wanted to hear from agriculture and community leaders who had lived. 00:15:28.000 --> 00:15:41.000 Experience, of housing and security, so that policies could be made to protect the tenants, especially the low income renters. 00:15:41.000 --> 00:16:11.000 Yeah, we talked about past and current, in or equities, rebalancing the the power between the landlords, corporate, landlords, that if you will and Implementing Ratio and disability equity in all policy, making and I stress that the Tenant must Be at the Table from the beginning, to 00:16:12.000 --> 00:16:28.000 the end with regards to policy that impacts, their homes and they need to define what is affordable and that should be standardized. 00:16:28.000 --> 00:16:33.000 Nationally. You know how you go into Mcdonald's and you ask for a cheeseburger. 00:16:33.000 --> 00:16:43.000 You're gonna get that same Cheeseburger weather in California, and Puerto Rico in Maine, that's how Affordable Housing should be standardized. 00:16:43.000 --> 00:16:50.000 So the day everybody knows what's affordable, because here in New York they call a studio. 00:16:50.000 --> 00:17:01.000 At $2,500 a month, affordable so I don't know how they're calculating that when they use A the ami, that set up for the Bronx which is entirely different. 00:17:01.000 --> 00:17:31.000 From Manhattan, and and we also talked about making home ownership, or reality, and that's the developers when they have a plan they must have public housing resident a disabled Resident and a Section 8 resident at the Table, so from the beginning, the Middle in the end so that they 00:17:32.000 --> 00:17:40.000 can give, their input on what they need and what's impacting their lives, and they they really listened. 00:17:40.000 --> 00:18:10.000 They took notes, and we talked about broadband, there was somebody from the Usda, and he wanted to know how could he incentivize people from middle America farmers, to be excited or be interested, in broadband and I had suggested those Farmers, who have lots, of acreage you Work with a Optics 00:18:10.000 --> 00:18:25.000 Company, and you put the optics on this land, and Somebody acreage give him a fee, and it brings it to the bread basket of America. 00:18:25.000 --> 00:18:35.000 I sincerely believe if Middle America, rural America, I should say, had broadband, they could 00:18:35.000 --> 00:19:05.000 Have an opportunity to find out what's true what's misinformation, and hopefully get some training and education and can make informed decisions and vote accordingly, and then we talked about lease, protection and I had Suggested that Any Federally Back Mortgages, or Hard Landlords, they are Corporate, Landlords, if they 00:19:07.000 --> 00:19:17.000 Wanted to do business with HUD they have to pay for evictions, all evictions and it must be stated in the leases. 00:19:17.000 --> 00:19:28.000 Yeah. If the landlord is going to evict the tenant the tenant has to have an ear hearing, and the landlord will be responsible for all costs. 00:19:28.000 --> 00:19:29.000 Maybe they Will, Pause and think twice before Evicting Residents, Tenants, and I can go on and on and on. But I'm Quite Sure Louder has something to share with you As well. 00:19:29.000 --> 00:19:49.000 And Mrs. Brown 00:19:49.000 --> 00:19:50.000 I don't know if you wanted to elaborate. But I think you shared your perspective already, unless you wanted to share a little bit more 00:19:50.000 --> 00:20:03.000 Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no! I haven't shared my perspective 00:20:03.000 --> 00:20:04.000 I'm sorry Zella 00:20:04.000 --> 00:20:05.000 Yeah 00:20:05.000 --> 00:20:33.000 We're gonna fight here. I gotta get in get in on this. 00:20:33.000 --> 00:20:34.000 Please. 00:20:34.000 --> 00:20:35.000 I was just in all in regards to everyone's share experience and and the in the connection, but keeping it real and relevant was the role, that Laura and I play in regards, to the fact initially, we Didn't have that fair Playing Field as Disabled people and the Technology, as 00:20:35.000 --> 00:20:36.000 prescribed by many, was not a luxury for Laura and myself, and so that set the Foundational discussion what we experience on the ground and that's what the important perspective that needed to be heard oftenly many, of us in our various roles we get 5,000 feet and Fly but oftenly forget 00:20:36.000 --> 00:20:37.000 those 2 little elements called feet on the ground, the boots. 00:20:37.000 --> 00:20:38.000 What really happens. And so I was, indeed, honored and privileged, that we were a afforded the opportunity to have 2 great advisors in regards to domestic policy. 00:20:38.000 --> 00:20:39.000 Susan Rice and Brian d's, I mean having them here directly from those of us on the ground, and did not the support the Understanding of what is valuable to us and how important it is for all of us in this collective to lift those on the ground up is was tremendous I 00:20:39.000 --> 00:21:09.000 I oftenly share my expertise and experience with homelessness. 00:22:09.000 --> 00:22:10.000 Yes. 00:22:10.000 --> 00:22:11.000 My expertise and experience, of Being criminalized, because, black Ostracized, because being a Female Head of Household Limited because of my Disabilities, and so having That Propelled Moment to express to Ambassador Rice and Brian Bees, in the Effort to Catapult Understanding for 00:22:11.000 --> 00:22:12.000 Better solutions because ultimately, that's what policy, should be better solutions that reach the ground, but they have to be instilled with value and value comes from those of Us, with the lived experience and expertise in my in my own direct experience i'm oftenly, source of income discriminator I 00:22:12.000 --> 00:22:13.000 Have a voucher. I can't use it. Why, landlords doesn't look don't like the tools. 00:22:13.000 --> 00:22:14.000 They don't want to be held accountable, and so that has cycled me into a realm of homelessness by me, doing the right thing, then by doing the right thing, I'm criminalized viewed as a criminal because I don't have the Stellar, Credit report I Don't have 00:22:14.000 --> 00:22:15.000 The availability to be in a housing realm. I have to live with my car, and so you have those obstacles that are before you so the mere fact of having the opportunity. 00:22:15.000 --> 00:22:16.000 This express our values as living the experience, breathing, the experience, having, the experience was indeed an important catalyst and the coalition connecting together, in that effort to get solutions was a powerful powerful statement. 00:22:16.000 --> 00:22:46.000 So it was a thankful opportunity. 00:24:05.000 --> 00:24:10.000 Thank thank you for those words. you summarize everything. 00:24:10.000 --> 00:24:17.000 That are transpired and how I feel, and I as a disabled person 00:24:17.000 --> 00:24:27.000 Some of my disabilities are hidden, because you can't see them, and also as an elderly person. 00:24:27.000 --> 00:24:47.000 I I I've experienced many of the Inequities that you have stated, and it's up to us, and I'm glad we have someone who's listening that wants to make a difference. 00:24:47.000 --> 00:24:56.000 That waste, continue to work with him, let them, know what they need to do. 00:24:56.000 --> 00:25:08.000 And that our voices are there at the table Making policy, being, Part of that understanding Understanding and 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:17.000 I I I I'm so proud that you're part of the callition, and that you are making a difference and louder in terms of disability. And Dr. 00:25:17.000 --> 00:25:26.000 Bambi, and all of the residents, need to understand the importance of your words. 00:25:26.000 --> 00:25:33.000 And provide strength, and support, and let your local electrodes. 00:25:33.000 --> 00:25:40.000 Your Federal representatives, no or what we're talking about. 00:25:40.000 --> 00:25:41.000 We refer them, to this recording and stay constantly, banging on their Desk, warning results. Because they want you vote, they have to earn, your vote, and they have to perform and one Hand, washes, the other thank you Zella. 00:25:41.000 --> 00:25:42.000 Well, as we we and again, community is that unity collectively understand everybody. 00:25:42.000 --> 00:26:12.000 We have the power, we are the solution nothing, nothing. Should hinder, you or bring fear in regards to pursuit of what is right, for you are affordable. Safe housing is a human right 00:26:33.000 --> 00:26:43.000 Yeah 00:26:43.000 --> 00:26:44.000 Hmm. 00:26:44.000 --> 00:26:54.000 Yeah, I definitely agree, because as I say here in Georgia, my job is to comfort, the Disturb and to Disturb the comfortable and we are in, as you know, here, in Georgia, Right in the middle of a Runoff very very important Runoff Senate, election with the last day. 00:26:54.000 --> 00:26:59.000 to vote on we'll be on tomorrow, and it is important, as Mrs. 00:26:59.000 --> 00:27:16.000 Brown, said, you know, we we Thankfully, the low Income Housing Coalition, has to our homes, our votes, campaigns, and really getting Renters out to vote and really getting renters, to understand that they already have the power. 00:27:16.000 --> 00:27:22.000 They just have to joined together with the coalition, and let their voices be heard. 00:27:22.000 --> 00:27:36.000 Because they want our vote. You know, we talk about voting, and that's super important. 00:27:36.000 --> 00:27:37.000 I know. 00:27:37.000 --> 00:27:44.000 But just like a record that has an a side, in a B, side, so for you, young people, you may not know what that is, but on the b-side yes, yes, all the b-side we have that accountability. 00:27:44.000 --> 00:28:06.000 Piece, and that's what we have to do. We have to hold our elected officials accountable and we're not gonna take this line, down, as my Congress, person, the late great John Lewis, you know it's, time, to get into some good, trouble, and you can't be afraid you have to 00:28:06.000 --> 00:28:25.000 Be bold in this work, and yes, you're gonna face some obstacles, but at some point in time we have to all come together, like when we're talking about source of income protections, let's, be real We're talking about those who are housing choice voucher holders, because 00:28:25.000 --> 00:28:45.000 People, they have this stigma. against housing towards voucher, holders of people that live in public housing, that they're gonna tear up their neighborhood or bring down property, values and that is absolutely not true as a real estate, broker, and a former property, manager it was the people who didn't have 00:28:45.000 --> 00:28:49.000 Vouchers that did all those things, because people who have vouchers, hey! 00:28:49.000 --> 00:29:10.000 They have to comply with the Housing Choice Voucher Rules, and regulations, as well as those of the Apartment Complex are the Rental, Unit, so There's Greater Accountability for those Who have the Housing towards Voucher than those who Don't so we you know we just have to be real about 00:29:10.000 --> 00:29:16.000 this thing, and we're gonna have to stir up some some good trouble, 00:29:16.000 --> 00:29:24.000 And yes, there may be some retaliation, but we need to work throughout the State to pass laws like House bill, 300, and 46. 00:29:24.000 --> 00:29:44.000 That we passed here in Georgia, back in 2,000, and 19 under a conservative governor and a Conservative general assembly that gives tenants the Protection against against any Landlords if they if the Landlord, Complains if the Landlords 00:29:44.000 --> 00:30:02.000 Retaliate, so gets them. For complaint, complaining to cold enforcement, or the Health Department in the rural communities for unhealthy and unsafe living Conditions, and another thing I talked about was executive order, 13900, and 85 that's already in Existence, President. 00:30:02.000 --> 00:30:26.000 Biden signed that, and it states that any Federal program any program that receives Federal dollars is required they are required to ensure, that those funds of those programs are done equitably as it relates to race as it relates to those who are differently able to those in those 00:30:26.000 --> 00:30:31.000 Rural communities. So some of the things that we did back in 2,021, we did a three-v liberation to our votes, vaccines, and visions, and we went around to 40. 00:30:31.000 --> 00:31:01.000 2, cities in Georgia, Primarily, in those rural communities and had had that executive order read into the minutes of these local, the city and County and School, Board, their meetings so they can say you know well, we we didn't know yes, you do because it's, in your minutes now so now you 00:31:01.000 --> 00:31:14.000 don't and so that is something that we have to be intentional. And that's something that I did bring up to the administration staff while we were there is that we have that in place now we just need to make sure that we enforce. It 00:31:14.000 --> 00:31:19.000 That's right 00:31:19.000 --> 00:31:25.000 I I think one of the Key things, particularly for people with disabilities, is enforcement. 00:31:25.000 --> 00:31:26.000 Great. 00:31:26.000 --> 00:31:33.000 There are so many ways that landlords, the housing of authorities. 00:31:33.000 --> 00:31:40.000 Different elements of state and Federal government, are some of the leading discriminators. 00:31:40.000 --> 00:32:00.000 Against people, with disabilities in the failure to build accessible housing and a failures to provide equal opportunity for people with disabilities and the elderly to own Homes on those programs, they then if you allow the people who are getting the money from the lower company, Housing tax Credit, Program or the 00:32:00.000 --> 00:32:19.000 Cbgg, programs or any of the other building programs, the home programs, if you allow them to only build townhouses, you're automatically, excluding, many many people, who cannot do stairs, if you're only building, one or 2, bedroom you're automatically, excuse excluding people of 00:32:19.000 --> 00:32:34.000 different cultural backgrounds who are more likely to want to be able to live with relatives, or in a disabled family where you might not be technically related, but you all are pitching in together. 00:32:34.000 --> 00:33:03.000 As a fan, they're they're and people who have effective communications, disability, switch our disabilities where you don't see or read well, you can't speak well and you I may not hear well, they don't have any enforcement even at the phone Agencies, or the State 00:33:03.000 --> 00:33:08.000 Agencies to actually comply with sex 504. 00:33:08.000 --> 00:33:26.000 The relevant Rehabilitation Act which turns 50 years old Next year, 50 years, and Nobody's Complying and yet We're living in an age where these Types of Hurdles Can be so much more easily Overcome with the technologies, that We have but there's, no enforcement 00:33:26.000 --> 00:33:31.000 Yes. 00:33:31.000 --> 00:33:32.000 There needs to be impetus from the top to send out executive. 00:33:32.000 --> 00:33:53.000 You don't even need an executive order. You send out a memo to all the Federal agencies and the State agencies, anybody who's getting Federal funds, and Say comply, now if you Don't, comply Xyz will have and you have 3 weeks to Comply if we 00:33:53.000 --> 00:33:58.000 get any complaints on this, then you will start getting Xyz other things to happen. 00:33:58.000 --> 00:34:06.000 To you, I have State and Federal organizations. Right now, who refuse to provide large print documents. 00:34:06.000 --> 00:34:10.000 They say they don't have to. I'm saying. 00:34:10.000 --> 00:34:16.000 Yes, you do these laws say, you do your agreements with the Federal government. 00:34:16.000 --> 00:34:23.000 Say, you do your admitted plan says you will provide Oxford documents to those who need it. 00:34:23.000 --> 00:34:40.000 There's no exclusions for government forums so free the text in the government forms take it out of those Little Teeny tiny microscopic texts in those little teeny tiny boxes i'm making a different Format You've Got it in different Languages, why 00:34:40.000 --> 00:34:41.000 Can't. We have large platforms, regardless of what language we need 00:34:41.000 --> 00:34:42.000 Sorry I agree. 00:34:42.000 --> 00:34:43.000 But this but despite having laws on the books, despite having policies availed local, state, and Federal how do we center racial equity into lifting up us out of the struggle because again having the lived, experience and Expertise, of being black and I Can't stay in my Car for shelter because of in 00:34:43.000 --> 00:34:44.000 The local ordinance. I can't assess anything because of my disability. 00:34:44.000 --> 00:34:45.000 What solutions can we bring forth in regard in regards to those elements? 00:34:45.000 --> 00:35:15.000 Again We're We're Peach preaching to the Choir here and speaking with the white House in regards, to what the dilemma is on the ground. Now what are the solutions that we can uplift in this effort to get everybody whole 00:36:01.000 --> 00:36:09.000 Definitely, I think we need to strengthen, strengthen, affirmatively Furthering fair housing that was good. It. 00:36:09.000 --> 00:36:24.000 Under the Prior Administration, and we need to be intentional about that not fluff as we did when I was a property manager to say, oh, well, we gave a notice to some community organizations. 00:36:24.000 --> 00:36:27.000 That says we have some units of available. And we don't discriminate all. 00:36:27.000 --> 00:36:53.000 It, all the plate, language, and it's time that I hear a lot of times, where people say that and as a black woman from the rural South, that we're the least the lost and the left out well, first of all We're not lost We're here, we may have less Resources but We're, Tired of being 00:36:53.000 --> 00:36:54.000 Left out, and we're not going to take it anymore. 00:36:54.000 --> 00:37:24.000 So we are going to advocate for these solutions, we're gonna advocate for those who have the lived experience because we are the experts. 00:37:24.000 --> 00:37:25.000 Thank you. 00:37:25.000 --> 00:37:30.000 So stop paying these quote unquote experts, who pimp our communities out of information, they go into our communities, where people would lift experience the black people people who are differently, able get the information, put it in a report and now they paid $100,000 we are Sick of that and we're not gonna we are 00:37:30.000 --> 00:37:37.000 Not gonna take that anymore. So we have those solutions as many as Brown said from beginning to the end. 00:37:37.000 --> 00:37:43.000 And then ongoing, because we as a lot of us faded the enforcement, is a big issue. 00:37:43.000 --> 00:38:05.000 We have many of these laws on the books, but the Enforcement across the various departments from Usda, to the Department of Energy and I Won't even Talk, about environmental Racism, we'll have to do that talk on the other Day but yes, lack of enforcement, is a big issue and 00:38:05.000 --> 00:38:09.000 We have to fight this, at the local, State and Federal level. 00:38:09.000 --> 00:38:10.000 So we have to go at all 3 00:38:10.000 --> 00:38:20.000 Yeah, absolutely, and I think I'd like to add to that is the government needs to strengthen their database. 00:38:20.000 --> 00:38:49.000 So that we as residents, we as taxpayers can go to a database of any government agency and see who's complying with the rules and regulations, See who's monitoring these these various landlords who are non-compliant and what is 00:38:49.000 --> 00:39:00.000 The enforcement? Why hasn't Hide, or or or or or or Usca 00:39:00.000 --> 00:39:09.000 Land, Management, etc. Enforce the rules that are already on the books that gives us more, power. 00:39:09.000 --> 00:39:25.000 That that strengthens us, our ability to ask questions and to to demand answers from our elections. 00:39:25.000 --> 00:39:30.000 So let's let's take this into a deeper dive situation. 00:39:30.000 --> 00:39:40.000 Many of our colleagues are on the street. Don't have resources don't have telephones, don't have Access Don't, have don't, have don't have how can we get. 00:39:40.000 --> 00:39:48.000 Them involved in regards to this advocacy work, how do we support them in the advocacy work 00:39:48.000 --> 00:40:01.000 Well I I I know here in New York, City in the urban areas, the you'll find on every other corner. 00:40:01.000 --> 00:40:09.000 Somebody who has a phone to give you a mobile phone. 00:40:09.000 --> 00:40:21.000 It started under the Obama administration, so they're they're called Obama, Phones, and it gives you free service. 00:40:21.000 --> 00:40:51.000 You have access to the Internet, etc. and there are more and more community centers that have opened their doors, who are providing free Internet service, free training, teaching someone, how to use Internet how to secure, information, and each day it, seems to be progressing, but this, needs to be 00:40:53.000 --> 00:41:05.000 Nationwide and we once again need to demand of our elected that we need to get this information, to the people who were on the street. 00:41:05.000 --> 00:41:14.000 There has to be some form of access here in in in New York. 00:41:14.000 --> 00:41:43.000 They have, these, outside kiosks, where you have free internet free phone, service, and free charging and so if you don't have a phone and you want to call gloria in a in atlanta, you can just plug in her number and you have access so we need to go a step 00:41:43.000 --> 00:41:51.000 Further, to make sure everybody has it, especially broadband bright, then really changes things. 00:41:51.000 --> 00:41:58.000 And I I feel it will educate the deniers, and and and educate them, so forth. 00:41:58.000 --> 00:42:27.000 But it's about the training, it's about ending, homelessness, seller, and we have to get more of our emails involved in making Sure Good, every person every Citizen has Access as access and we have Enough Dollars, There's, Enough, Tax money, to pay for this and so we as a Aggregate. 00:42:27.000 --> 00:42:36.000 Activist need to organize. Groups. goes look up an organization in your area. 00:42:36.000 --> 00:42:57.000 If you don't have one start. One. if you hear from meeting and you're not invited, and surely, Chisholm, set bring your own chair to the meeting, and sit Down, and be included because people Don't Realize it is Time There's a Meeting on Government Property, Federal Property, they 00:42:57.000 --> 00:43:08.000 Can't destroy you. We may not conclude you in the meeting, but they can't tell you the lead, because it's Federal Property in Europe, Federal tax. 00:43:08.000 --> 00:43:14.000 And as you said, so, we have the power. We need to exercise the power. 00:43:14.000 --> 00:43:20.000 We need to do it collectively and everybody that's on this call find a friend, or 2 and have them join the national Income Housing Coalition. 00:43:20.000 --> 00:43:31.000 That's more power. There, so that they can acquire. More knowledge. 00:43:31.000 --> 00:43:45.000 And make sure if there is a public passing development, demand the training that is promise to them under the 24 cfr 964 00:43:45.000 --> 00:43:49.000 They're entitled to this 00:43:49.000 --> 00:43:54.000 Thank you. 00:43:54.000 --> 00:43:58.000 And I'll I'll let lot of go first, and then I'll I'll chime in 00:43:58.000 --> 00:44:25.000 Thanks, Dr. brown I would like to say, I live in a rural area, and when I was homeless in the World Area, there's No regular shelters, in 100 and County they only had churches who would take in one or 2, families, so if you do not have one or 2, parents. 00:44:25.000 --> 00:44:32.000 and children, you could stay outside and even during superstar sandy 00:44:32.000 --> 00:44:48.000 When there was no power in our special needs complex, for 12 and a half days they did nothing, for the people went with disabilities, the shelter that did not was not accessible to people who use Wheelchairs so I could bring my own chair but I couldn't get in I couldn't be 00:44:48.000 --> 00:44:52.000 Hmm. 00:44:52.000 --> 00:45:19.000 Allowed to stay there, and I think some of these inequities have to be addressed, not only in the Standard Housing Program, but in the emergency housing Programs, in Fema, Fema Shouldn't Be giving money to the counties for the Towns who are not also looking at how are they gonna help the Elderly and 00:45:19.000 --> 00:45:28.000 The disabled in an emergency to have the state of New Jersey tell all of us after superstanding shelter in place, when they're you got no. 00:45:28.000 --> 00:45:33.000 Power, It's snowing, there's no heat, there's no water. 00:45:33.000 --> 00:45:41.000 It was ludicrously inadequate, so in also in the rural areas. 00:45:41.000 --> 00:45:45.000 You don't have easy. Kiosks are places to put them. 00:45:45.000 --> 00:45:57.000 So maybe, instead, you could put them in churches and libraries in hotels, and other gathering places. 00:45:57.000 --> 00:46:01.000 So they can be accessed and one of the big things. 00:46:01.000 --> 00:46:23.000 I'm a member of the National Ferry of the Blind and they have sued the Federal Government like Social Security, because people, who have low vision or one, go into the Social Security Administration, and they Can't Use the little Kiosk, That's there because they Can't read it and 00:46:23.000 --> 00:46:25.000 There's nothing. There. Sometimes there's not even a person there, except the guard. 00:46:25.000 --> 00:46:35.000 So you can't access the things that as opposed to be access so that you can get the help from the people. 00:46:35.000 --> 00:46:42.000 Inside so they're working on trying to make sure in every way that all the people can act find access to these types of Room Key Necessary services that Mrs. 00:46:42.000 --> 00:46:50.000 Brown talked about 00:46:50.000 --> 00:46:54.000 So one of 00:46:54.000 --> 00:46:55.000 Go ahead. 00:46:55.000 --> 00:47:10.000 Yes, it. Oh, I'm sorry, I'll be I'll be brief to to when we talk about Access accessing those who are unsheltered, or who may be unstably Housed here in Atlanta, one of our Partners, the Beloved, Community Development, Corporation, Talks. 00:47:10.000 --> 00:47:12.000 About banal, co culture, so in other words, abandoned houses are really not abandoned. 00:47:12.000 --> 00:47:17.000 They just don't have the lights in the water, Utilities and those types of things. 00:47:17.000 --> 00:47:30.000 But people are actually taking shelter, there so one of our partners, they actually have a day shelter. 00:47:30.000 --> 00:47:41.000 Where they allow people to come in and charge those government phones, or those ipads and they have computers set up where they can do that now that's fine in atlanta, this great job, we need more? 00:47:41.000 --> 00:47:50.000 Government, and filling, thrift funding to support those initiatives. 00:47:50.000 --> 00:48:11.000 But also what we did as a part of our 3 view, Liberation tour was to physically go out into the communities so we partnered with the Fort Valley State University on Hbcu, and several other Partners, including fresh Communities, in Georgia, act and we went in those various Communities that doesn't have that 00:48:11.000 --> 00:48:34.000 rule, Broadband, and where people who are in those communities, commute rural communities can actually get on the bus, and access computers, do trainings, look up things that they need to charge their phones all of that was available we set outside of public housing units we set outside in grocery, store 00:48:34.000 --> 00:48:35.000 parking, lots, and if anywhere, where we could get to the people. 00:48:35.000 --> 00:48:41.000 So we didn't wait for the people to come to a building. 00:48:41.000 --> 00:49:00.000 We actually went to the people, and we found that was very, very effective, and we need more funding to continue that not only for the government, but all these feel Philanthropic Foundations who was all about George Floyd, and Black Ech Equity, and empowerment and all that stuff, you know 00:49:00.000 --> 00:49:05.000 That's falling off. Now, so we need we need to pick that up, so that people can get that information that may not be able to readily access success. 00:49:05.000 --> 00:49:11.000 It are in the traditional means 00:49:11.000 --> 00:49:15.000 And we need to rattle, that cage 00:49:15.000 --> 00:49:22.000 So one of the one of our participants really, truly challenged with a question. 00:49:22.000 --> 00:49:27.000 And so this is going to bring it up in the rear. 00:49:27.000 --> 00:49:53.000 What national action are we going, to take we've addressed, and spoken about our experiences. Many of us have the shared liked experiences many of which have gone in for decades what national action are we going to do 00:49:53.000 --> 00:50:00.000 I would say the Tenant Bill of Rights. yes, I think it's very extremely important. 00:50:00.000 --> 00:50:22.000 And that is something that Georgia is looking at we're looking at on the State level as well as on a local level, but to have that tenant bill of rights because we have to do something to equalize the inequities, between Renters, and Landlords, because again, there's so 00:50:22.000 --> 00:50:29.000 Much Discrimination, that's that's going on and we have to have that enforcement. 00:50:29.000 --> 00:50:41.000 We have to have those loans. that would benefit tenants, and if you would look at if I had to just name one I could name several but we don't have that that amount of time. 00:50:41.000 --> 00:50:46.000 I would definitely say the tenants Bill of Rights is something that we could could do. 00:50:46.000 --> 00:50:50.000 And which we've already been working on that immediately. 00:50:50.000 --> 00:50:56.000 So that's what I would say. 00:50:56.000 --> 00:50:58.000 Mrs. Brown, you want to chime in 00:50:58.000 --> 00:51:04.000 Oh, lou Louder had her hand up first, so I'll chime in after her 00:51:04.000 --> 00:51:29.000 I would like to say that one of the things we don't have to wait for Congress to do something is that we should demand across the Board Compliance reviews, particularly around racial and Disability systemic and Equities because one of the things I've been trying to get data, on for a really long 00:51:29.000 --> 00:51:35.000 Time is, you can get data on overall disabilities. 00:51:35.000 --> 00:51:44.000 You can get some information across races, but you can't get of the say, the fair housing complaints had come in. 00:51:44.000 --> 00:51:52.000 You had 62% are people with disabilities. And then then then other a big category. 00:51:52.000 --> 00:51:55.000 Is like 27,% are racial complaints. 00:51:55.000 --> 00:52:15.000 How many of those people are people of color with disabilities or people of color who are out elderly, and or have disabilities, to really know how we're being affected, we gotta be counting and all the ways, that we're being affected and that's not being done, and these 00:52:15.000 --> 00:52:37.000 Compliance reviews. need to make sure that if the Housing Authorities or the States, or the other people who are getting all the Federal Funds, the Developers, if they are not actually documenting what Kind of Housing Units, people, are living in Using their Vouchers, or their other 00:52:37.000 --> 00:52:38.000 Subsidies, then they have to make them do it. They have to get the data for race and disability and Accessibility Features in the Housing minutes, because they're supposed to be Providing that anyway, but nobody's making them do it at least not here, in new Jersey. 00:52:38.000 --> 00:52:55.000 Lava 00:52:55.000 --> 00:53:18.000 And what once again, enforcement, enforcement enforcement, data, enforcement data enforcement, we need, a database everybody needs to be transparent, the only way we're gonna do it is by having the data at our fingertips, and then they can enforce and if they Don't 00:53:18.000 --> 00:53:40.000 Enforce. We want to know why not and we go to our elections, and if you want to be reelected, you make sure do that these agencies comply and and that's all I I I can say it's my Mantra is Monitoring oversight, and enforcement. 00:53:40.000 --> 00:53:46.000 Monitoring Oversight enforcement these developers. 00:53:46.000 --> 00:53:52.000 They want the head dollars, we lie, tech developers. They get their money upfront. 00:53:52.000 --> 00:54:03.000 So they want to do business. Then they have to comply and if they don't comply, they have to be stiff penalties. 00:54:03.000 --> 00:54:13.000 Where they buy from developing. More properties, or any federally back more Mortgages. 00:54:13.000 --> 00:54:18.000 The government needs to say this is the way it's going to be. 00:54:18.000 --> 00:54:26.000 And we need to make the government say that because we're voting for the government, the government works for us, as you say, Zilla, we already have the power. 00:54:26.000 --> 00:54:34.000 We need to exercise it. Thank you 00:54:34.000 --> 00:54:35.000 Well. 00:54:35.000 --> 00:54:47.000 There's one other point about enforcement, that I would like to see, made the the Fair Housing Act has a criminal, statute all of these landlords that are blatantly violating the Habitability Codes and the Harassment codes and the 00:54:47.000 --> 00:54:54.000 Discrimination codes. They should not just be treated. 00:54:54.000 --> 00:54:55.000 Okay. 00:54:55.000 --> 00:54:59.000 To a little conciliation hey be sent to jail 00:54:59.000 --> 00:55:11.000 Agree 00:55:11.000 --> 00:55:14.000 And then. 00:55:14.000 --> 00:55:18.000 I did also wanna mention the Tenant Empowerment Act. 00:55:18.000 --> 00:55:25.000 That a few people in the Chat have mentioned, and I know we're running short on time. 00:55:25.000 --> 00:55:36.000 So I think Jerry's in the waiting room, and I'll invite Michigan, who is also part of our tennis Court to speak really quickly about that bill she also got to speak about it. 00:55:36.000 --> 00:55:39.000 During the White House. Hi! Mr. 00:55:39.000 --> 00:55:50.000 Hi, Hi, everyone, thank you said. thank you, Miss Brown and now dr bambi and Professor Zella. 00:55:50.000 --> 00:56:09.000 Thank you so much. very informational information. You gave us this evening, and I just wanted to pick it back on some things that Miss Brown had said earlier about you know, the type of tools we have here in new York as far as helping the people that's Homeless living in Shelters, as far 00:56:09.000 --> 00:56:27.000 as devices, that they could utilize, and it's all over the streets, and I think every State Adopt that as far as those Obama phones because it's very easy for them to do and secondly, I put in the Chat, Whatsapp if everyone is familiar with that 00:56:27.000 --> 00:56:44.000 What'sapp is a great tool for families, that have people living out of the country, that want to get in touch with their families, so that's a great way to if they had Obama phone they could put that whatsapp on there and they could speak to anyone in the World so thirdly, I like to speak 00:56:44.000 --> 00:57:02.000 about the tenant empowerment there, which is a lot of the things that we have been talking about this evening, Ted of Protections and how best we can go forward with 10 protection that is all in 4,200, and 37 all of this is in that bill and what we plan to do and that Bill 00:57:02.000 --> 00:57:21.000 is was to when we brought this bill to representative waters, she pushed us to file, this bill, and this bill is saying, hit the landlords in the pocket where it hurts and the way we hit the landlords in the pockets where it hurts if we allow the tenants to 00:57:21.000 --> 00:57:40.000 Withhold, that subsidies, and put it in escrow and for her to do the same with hold their portion of the monies that they give these owners, and that's what we're gonna hit them in the practice we don't wanna penalize every owner but these Owners the slum 00:57:40.000 --> 00:57:41.000 Lords that's out here. I mean, they're doing vicious things. 00:57:41.000 --> 00:57:47.000 To tenants, and why should tennis have to suffer? 00:57:47.000 --> 00:58:02.000 We are the eyes in the ears of all of these buildings, and we know what's going on in these buildings HUD doesn't have to tell us so bring the tennis to the Table, and let the tenants tell you what we need and how we can Best give you Suggestions on how 00:58:02.000 --> 00:58:07.000 Passage should be done, change the old ones, start new ones. 00:58:07.000 --> 00:58:10.000 So that's all I wanted to say. Thank you so much 00:58:10.000 --> 00:58:11.000 Thank you. 00:58:11.000 --> 00:58:14.000 Jail. They would absolutely hesitate to do some of these things. 00:58:14.000 --> 00:58:15.000 I know. It's a lot. 00:58:15.000 --> 00:58:18.000 Thank you, thank you, Miss Jerry, I feel like that was really excellent way, and excellent way to finish off. 00:58:18.000 --> 00:58:21.000 A webinar, and I know we're a little bit short on time. 00:58:21.000 --> 00:58:22.000 I don't know Zel if you had any closing comments as well that you wanted to share before thanking, everyone and I can give some remarks to 00:58:22.000 --> 00:58:23.000 Thank you, Laura, thank you, thank you go ahead, said 00:58:23.000 --> 00:58:53.000 Our power, power power, power, we all have it our experience defines that our expertise aligns, that we can make a affordable housing, a human right for everybody. 00:58:53.000 --> 00:58:54.000 Great well, thank you all for joining us. Thank you, Zella, Mrs. 00:58:54.000 --> 00:58:58.000 Bee, Dr. Bambi, and not up for joining us today. 00:58:58.000 --> 00:59:08.000 This is a really really good tenant, talk, live and I feel like there was a lot of good conversation happening in the chat. 00:59:08.000 --> 00:59:11.000 And we will follow up with all of the information that we shared today. 00:59:11.000 --> 00:59:17.000 Folks so please don't feel like you have to write everything down during these calls because I promise you'll get afterwards. 00:59:17.000 --> 00:59:35.000 But if you want to provide any feedback, or just, give me any ideas for future topics, I did take some of the Feedback from the Survey that I did a while back, so we'll be Incorporating that into the new year, but always feel free to email me, if you have any ideas, 00:59:35.000 --> 00:59:53.000 One thing that we did notice really quickly, just before I hop off and I'll go over just a few minutes for those folks that want to hear these updates, but I'm really excited to just see like the excitement around folks and our tenant, Leader Cohort I know a lot, of you 00:59:53.000 --> 01:00:09.000 Have heard about it, or probably like, what is this it's that's definitely something very new, for Nhc, and we're working with our resident caucus and long time advocates within our network but we will continue to have more opportunities like tonight to connect with the tening 01:00:09.000 --> 01:00:24.000 Coordinate, and hear what They're Working on and Offer Feedback, on the stuff that we're working on and then We'll also let you all know, we can finally open up that Group to folks who are outside of that call for because We're Hoping that this will be like an ongoing thing with 01:00:24.000 --> 01:00:31.000 More folks to get involved in the future. So please please don't let that discourage you like we want this to be a very inclusive thing but right. 01:00:31.000 --> 01:00:37.000 Now it's just the folks that we have. Now, but in the meantime we hope that you'll take advantage of the other opportunities that we have to participate in our are like tenant-based. Work. 01:00:37.000 --> 01:00:54.000 So we have this webinar tenant talk, live, but we're also reviving our policy out of this I I can't talk policy out of the Sorry, Permitting Sorry my Accent. 01:00:54.000 --> 01:01:11.000 Definitely did, not let me say that word for a second. But just know that it's a really good space for you, all to provide feedback on Nlhc's policy, priorities and we'll have our first, one tomorrow December Sixth I believe I can't remember the time but 01:01:11.000 --> 01:01:21.000 We'll definitely share that with you, all and we'll have more in the future, as well, and yeah, I'm just really excited to continue growing the strong community with you, all and with the folks. 01:01:21.000 --> 01:01:33.000 On this call, I mean across the country, but again, feel free to reach out if you have any ideas if you want to be featured on a blog, or if you want to join our Facebook, group, and that is all I have for today. 01:01:33.000 --> 01:01:38.000 But thank you, everybody, and hope you have a really good night. 01:01:38.000 --> 01:01:40.000 Thank you Panelists, thank you everybody from listening 01:01:40.000 --> 01:01:41.000 You next year. 01:01:41.000 --> 01:01:42.000 Thank thank you hmm 01:01:42.000 --> 01:01:46.000 Yeah 01:01:46.000 --> 01:01:47.000 Oh, it's yours 01:01:47.000 --> 01:01:48.000 Hi, screen Dan, where are you have a plan. Tell them what you want 01:01:48.000 --> 01:01:50.000 Yes, reparations, reparations, now 01:01:50.000 --> 01:01:56.000 You're marriedAnd then.