IMMIGRANT TENANT ADVOCACY PROGRAM – fighting for the rights of immigrants in Brooklyn and Queens.
Since 2005, the Alive in Hope Foundation has provided grant aid in support of the Immigrant Tenant Advocacy Program (ITAP), an offshoot of the Catholic Migration Office of the R.C. Diocese of Brooklyn. ITAP addresses chronic substandard housing conditions and exploitation taking place in predominantly immigrant communities in Brooklyn and Queens.
The Program began by focusing on the geographic area of Western Queens where many immigrants suffered at the hands of unscrupulous owners of large, rent regulated buildings. Working with local parishes, it quickly took root along the “7 train corridor” in neighborhoods like Sunnyside, Woodside, Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and Corona. Underserved and exploited immigrants attended ITAP legal clinics and outreach sessions in church auditoriums and community centers across Brooklyn and Queens.
Three years later, thanks to the support of the Foundation, the Diocese and others, the program has an office in Sunnyside and expanded its presence into neighborhoods like Astoria, Sunset Park and Flatbush. Free legal services and representation are offered to thousands of low and middle income tenants regardless of race, religion or immigration status. ITAP helps individuals know their housing rights, form tenant associations, bring legal action against landlords and assert their rights as tenants. Additionally, the program engages in substantial organizing campaigns to fight for the preservation of affordable housing and the promotion of dignified living conditions.
Continuing the reputation of the “Diocese of Immigrants” as a pioneer in providing services to newcomers, ITAP has earned national acclaim and publicity in the NY Daily News, NY Times, NY Post, CBS News, National Public Radio, and more. In every sense a community movement, this program has also engaged the time and talent of aspiring public servants through a partnership with St. John’s University School of Law hosting a clinical placement for 2nd and 3rd year law students.
Just a few stories….
YOUNGOK AND FAMILY
Youngok moved from Korea to the USA in 2002. She lives in a large apartment building in Queens with her husband and 8 year old son.
When her bedroom ceiling started to leak water and caused the ceiling to collapse, Youngok called 911. Firemen arrived and warned Youngok not to use anything electrical.
The superintendent of the building would not fix the problem. The landlord did not respond to her calls.
A staff attorney from the ITAP, heard of the problems in Youngok’s building. He met with 40 families in the lobby. Youngok explained her problems to the attorney. He represented Youngok in court. He forced the landlord to make the repairs. Youngok got some money deducted from her rent for having lived with such horrible conditions.
Through the ITAP’s attorney efforts 40 families in the same building were able to get repairs done.
ESPERANZA AND FAMILY
Esperanza moved to Queens in 2002 from Mexico with her husband. After living for one year in her apartment, she noticed that the bedroom ceiling was leaking water and that black mold was everywhere.
Her sons complained that it was very cold at night in the bedroom because of the water dripping and the mold. She made many complaints to her landlord over several months, but he never called back.
Then in January, Esperanza attended a clinic held by the Catholic Migration Office in her church. An ITAP attorney quickly filed a lawsuit on her behalf and was able to get the repairs needed within one month. Now, Esperanza reports that all her sons sleep through the night.
Youngok, Esperanza and their families are just two of thousands of families assisted by ITAP. Countless others remain in need. Since 2005, the Alive in Hope Foundation has awarded over $403,375 in support of ITAP and other grassroots programs serving immigrants in our Diocese. In times of difficulty, people turn to their local parishes and the church at large for help. Thanks to the support of the Alive in Hope Foundation, the Diocese, and its parishes, ITAP is present and making a difference.
For more information or to support the Immigrant Tenant Advocacy Program, please contact Marion Boteju or Thomas Flood at 718.965.7375. |
