October 27, 2006

FRIGHTFUL RENT HIKE PROMPTS HALLOWEEN MARCH

Governor George Pataki (R) has the power to reverse a recent New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) directive that has cut housing support for poor New York City residents living with AIDS. At least 2,200 people and 140 families will be forced to pay all but $330 of their limited monthly income to stay in supportive housing provided in part by the New York City HIV/AIDS Services Administration (HASA). Tenants and advocates are fighting on all fronts to maintain their current rent contribution, but the Governor could overturn the directive immediately.

The terrible possiblity of losing their homes is already unfolding in the lives of people affected, any ). HASA clients who receive any income other than Public Assistance - such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability (SSD) or earned income - are now receiving a generic letter that announces but does not trigger the catastrophic rent increase. A budget recertification letter does that. The second letter provides figures for case workers to file for a fair hearing with continuance, staving off eviction and possible homelessness for awhile.

Because HASA is mailing these letters out in staggered batches, they will hit the community in waves.

Ed Shaw, consumer advocate, community activist and HASA advisory board member, said, "We are all being very proactive in the community, and many of us have filed for a fair hearing. We're filing for an injunction, and we intend to follow through with a class action suit. We are hoping legislators in Albany will take the Duane/Gottfried bill under consideration the first of the year, and the incoming Governor Spitzer will rescind this measure."

A meeting with State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, now in a hot campaign for Governor, is in the works.

Advocates tried to arrange a meeting with OTDA Commissioner Robert Doar, but after his Deputy Commissioner talked on the phone with a lead organizer, the Commissioner figured his duty was done and cancelled a meeting with a range of community representatives. Assemblyman Dick Gottfried (D) intervened, expressing his disappointment in the cancellation. The meeting is now being rescheduled.

So now, we march! "People living with HIV/AIDS and all those who support this community and social justice should come out, step out, and shout out against this new state policy that slams poor people," said terri smith-caronia, Director, NYC Public Policy, Housing Works.

Shaw said, "We need all the help we can get. If there are people who want to be a part of this cause, this rally, meet us on Tuesday morning."

DEMAND HOUSING JUSTICE! TENANTS' MARCH

Halloween, October 31st

Meet at 10:45 a.m.

in front of Governor Pataki's office at 663 3rd Ave.

(Need directions?)

Join people living with HIV/AIDS, service providers, and at least one giant, fanged puppet to howl at Governor Pataki. We will haunt our officials until they deliver housing justice!

The Housing Works AIDS Issues Update is reported, written and edited by Diana Scholl, David Thorpe, Christine Campbell, terri smith-caronia and Housing Works staff. Send your feedback, leads and story ideas to d.scholl@housingworks.org.

You can reach us by phone at 212-967-1500 x168, by fax at 212-868-4222, and by email at d.scholl@housingworks.org. Housing Works provides housing, advocacy and services to homeless people living with AIDS and HIV. Housing Works is the nation's largest community-based AIDS organization and the nation's largest minority-controlled AIDS organization.

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