Systemic Advocacy through Lived Experience

Advocates for $5 billion in public housing capital repairs, including $1 billion for upstate housing authorities and $4 billion for 15,000 units in New York City, and for the New York Green New Deal for Public Housing to accelerate appliance upgrades and support climate resilience. Has advocated for increased state and local funding for public housing over multiple decades.

Organizes advocacy efforts for tenant protections, including campaigns for the Statewide Right to Counsel legislation, the Clean Hands Act, Universal RAD Vote, and Good Cause Eviction. Advocates for rent stabilization and eviction moratoriums, and has secured key policy wins such as the Emergency Tenant Protection Act in Ossining and statewide expansion of rent stabilization through the Housing Justice for All Coalition.

Leads community organizing efforts across New York State to advance financial security, affordable housing, and participatory democracy for low-income New Yorkers, with a focus on Black and brown communities and women's leadership. Creates infrastructure for deep organizing of Black women across New York State to advance policy reforms.

Conducts voter engagement initiatives including distribution of voter guides and mobilization of voters to the polls, such as mobilizing 5,600 voters in East Harlem through its Electoral Participation Project.

Sued Mayor Giuliani to secure health and safety education and training rights for Work Experience Program (WEP) workers. Secured $17 million in the New York City budget to continue the Transitional Jobs program.

Engages members in decision-making, campaign design, organizing actions, meeting with officials, and staff hiring. Members hold majority representation on the board of directors, ensuring democratic, member-driven governance.

Provided mutual aid support to communities during the pandemic in partnership with Black and Latinx small business owners.

Issues public statements in response to state and local policy proposals, including opposition to HUD citizenship verification directives, criticism of Westchester County’s State of the County address, and responses to New York State budget proposals. Engages in public education to promote social welfare and influence policy at city, state, and national levels.

Conducts and publishes research on housing needs, including the report "Building Westchester's Future: The Need for Affordable and Equitable Housing." Publishes annual reports (2022, 2023, 2024) detailing organizational activities, outcomes, and historical impact.

Operates a 10-month immersive, transit-based public program that conducts guided journeys across New York City and surrounding counties to illustrate the commuting realities of essential workers and families affected by housing displacement due to unaffordable housing.

Supports homeowners in Columbia, Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by providing technical assistance and application services. Offers ADU applications across all four counties to expand affordable housing options.

Conducts community outreach to raise awareness about low-income housing needs, promotes energy-efficient housing, and administers green energy programs to support sustainable development.

Develops and constructs affordable, supportive, and workforce housing projects across the Hudson Valley, including multigenerational, senior, artist, and homeless housing. Recent projects include Silver Gardens (57 units in Highland), Willow Landing (82 supportive units), and Cold Spring Apartments (56 units), with ongoing development of 137 affordable apartments in multiple communities.

Provides counseling services to individuals facing foreclosure and offers support for housing purchases, including financial education and guidance through homeownership processes.

Provides grants and financial assistance for first-time homebuyers and low-income homeowners through programs such as the NYS Affordable Homeownership Consortium and Single-Family Repair Program. Offers up to $75,000 per unit for landlords to convert vacant rentals into affordable housing and supports home repair, septic replacement, and lead hazard remediation in Ulster County and beyond.

Provides legal advocacy and supportive services to vulnerable populations through social and human services programs, helping clients access housing rights and stability resources.

Implements mobile home replacement projects to improve housing quality and safety, including The One-12 Project and a project in the Town of Fallsburgh.

Manages all RUPCO-owned and managed rental properties in the Hudson Valley, provides access to current rental vacancies, and offers rental applications online and via mail for individuals unable to print. Also provides Section 8 program forms, PBV waitlist access, and landlord guidelines for inspection, ownership changes, and rent adjustments.