Looking Forward and Locking In
Aloha Neighbors,
Post annual plan I feel like I’m reintegrating. Falling back into my body. The plan and hearing were... traumatic. The plan was 390 pages of checking boxes and proof that tenants Section 9 tenants are being ignored. In every city facing demolition and privatization tenants are asking for investment in Section 9. We are rejecting project based Section 8. We are using logic, economics, spells! and we are being ignored. But the 301 page response I put together stares NYCHA in the face and says "do better".
I guess this is what happens when you live in a country that doesn't recognize housing as a human right. And that is really at the heart of this battle. America doesn't recognize housing as a human right. Our policies, and shelters are a testament to this.
But we do this work because we recognize that stable, truly affordable housing makes everything possible. Our policymakers might not respond when we ask them to show up to the annual hearing. HUD might play coy when we call out performative participation metrics. NYCHA board members might walk out early, or adopt agenda items while protest chants make listening impossible. But... we do this work because we recognize that stable, truly affordable housing makes everything possible.
DRAFT ANNUAL PLAN
Our response to NYCHA is 301 pages. Take that NYCHA! You can read, or smile at, the final report HERE. You can read our written response to the draft annual plan HERE. These were sent to 156 people in addition to NYCHA and HUD. Every member of the NY congressional delegation, members of the housing committees at city council, and at the state, NY state senators. Nobody has responded. Our next steps are:
Developing a toolkit for Section 9 tenants so they can better evaluate their annual plan.
Following up on demands presented in our written comment and report.
Holding lobby meetings with the elected officials and stakeholders that received the plan.
These actions depend on your participation. Save Section 9 is a volunteer led organization. In order to tackle tasks and strategize we need to have you participate. Join our leadership meeting and help us make progress.
DO SOMETHING
August 5th at 7pm. This coming Wednesday we will be meeting to discuss our next steps and pivoting towards our national solutions. I hope you will join us on Zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83727429468
NYCHA Resident Survey. This annual survey is an opportunity to comment on topics ranging from the condition of your apartment to the customer service you receive from our staff. Your input helps NYCHA prioritize their work, evaluate changes, and improve their service to tenants. It takes less than 10 minutes to complete and is available in English, Spanish, Russian, and Traditional and Simplified Chinese. surveymonkey.com/r/nycharesidentsurvey
YOU SHOULD KNOW
The NYS legislature passed the Responsible Data Center Development Act, which would have enacted a moratorium on data centers over 20MW and required at least ⅓ of the energy used by data centers to come from renewables. We are demanding that Hochul sign the bill and place stricter regulations on AI data centers.
OPPORTUNITIES
The My Dog Is My Home Fellowship Program offers an unparalleled opportunity for housing and homeless services providers nationwide to engage in a transformative learning experience focused on pet-inclusive housing. Fellows gain an in-depth understanding of how pet-inclusive programs function, learn best practices, and receive mentorship from experienced professionals.The MDIMH Fellowship Program will provide you with the education and tools you need to implement pet-inclusive housing at your organization through in-depth education and custom guidance. The fellowship program is generously funded by Maddie’s Fund, #ThanksToMaddie, and Spring Point Partners, and Safe Havens for Pets at Animal Welfare Institute. Apply HERE.
NYC Office of Neighborhood Safety (ONS) is recruiting participants for the ONS Youth Leadership Council. The ONS Youth Leadership Council (ONS YLC) strives to empower young people aged 16-22 from 30 NYCHA developments to become advocates for safety and social justice. We center youth voices in decision-making and create inclusive spaces that nurture leadership development and community engagement. Our mission is to cultivate informed youth leaders who work to drive policy change and create equitable, safe neighborhoods. We aim to equip youth with the tools and confidence to take charge of their futures and inspire lasting advocacy and empowerment.
What: The ONS Youth Leadership Council will shape policies and programs, advocate for real change, amplify youth voices, and learn new skills. The ONS YLC will work with the Office of Neighborhood Safety, Global Kids, CUNY Intergenerational Change Initiative, and other partners and youth from across the City. Youth will have fun, meet new people, and be an advocate for their community!
When: Submit application by Sunday, September 13th, 2026, 11:59pm. The ONS Youth Leadership Council will take place over nine (9) months (October 2026 through June 2027), meeting Mondays and Tuesdays from 4:30 - 6:30 pm.
How: Apply NOW by clicking this LINK
Stipend: $400 per month (based on attendance)
Eligibility: **No prior experience necessary**; Ages range 16-22 years old for participants
MUST reside in one of the following MAP NYCHA Developments: Beach 41st Street, Boulevard, Brownsville, Butler, Bushwick, Castle Hill, Gowanus, Ingersoll, Jefferson, Johnson, Langston Hughes, Linden, Marcy, Mitchel, Morris, Mott Haven, Patterson, Polo Grounds Towers, Queensbridge, Red Hook, Saint Nicholas, Stapleton, Sumner, Tompkins, Tilden, Van Dyke, Wagner, West Brighton, Whitman, and Wyckoff.
In solidarity,
Ramona
Tenant, Mitchel Houses
Founder, Save Section 9
