The New York City Housing Authority, or NYCHA, provides public housing across New York City. Today, more than 500,000 people live in NYCHA's public housing developments. And while these apartments may be less expensive than other housing options in New York City, residents argue that living conditions are poor, and repairs are often slow or non-existent.
 
Some say the solution to these problems is privatization. So in 2016 NYCHA began leasing their apartments to private companies in exchange for funding as a part of their Permanent Affordability Commitment Together, or “PACT” program. And last month, Governor Kathy Hochul took another step towards privatization when she signed new legislation establishing the NYC Public Housing Preservation Trust.  But NYCHA residents are concerned. Will these changes lead to evictions and less accountability?
 
In this episode we talk to Epicenter Intern Angelina Nelson who has been a NYCHA resident for 20 years. On July 14th she joined her neighbors to protest the privatization of their homes.

The United Front Against Displacement: https://theunitedfrontagainstdisplacement.org/

Epicenter-NYC membership: https://epicenter-nyc.com/the-case-for-epicenter-membership-one-auntie-to-another/

Our intro music: http://karavikamusic.com/