March 30, 2007
AIDS HOUSING ADVOCATES ROCK ALBANY
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Advocates from Praxis with Senate Social Services Chair Carl Kruger
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Over 100 AIDS housing residents, staff and advocates traveled to Albany to fight for fair treatment of tenants and expanded benefits for people living with HIV in New York City and all over the state.
Several dozen appointments with legislators were scheduled by the New York City AIDS Housing Network (NYCAHN) and Housing Works (a NYCAHN member), and teams from Praxis Housing, Harlem United, NYCAHN and Housing Works roamed the halls of the Legislative Office Building and Capitol to fight for the rights of people with AIDS.
Two big items for advocacy: legislation to cement in state law a rent cap of 30 percent of income for AIDS housing residents (details here) and the statewide version of “HASA for All” legislation (details here).
Advocates also weighed in to support the AIDS SSI Invisibility budget request that’s under consideration as part of the state budget (details here).
The day included an issues teach-in at Westminster Church, a spirited march down State Street into the LOB and face-to-face meetings with legislators and staff throughout the day. It’s a great kickoff for this year’s effort to pass the 30 percent rent cap, and the long-term effort to win HASA for all.
To get involved in more advocacy trips starting on April 16, contact Charles Long at long2@housingworks.org.