With almost 60% of residents in Northern Manhattan living twice below the poverty line, accessibility to safe, affordable housing is a necessity[1]. Unfortunately, these basic necessities are currently not being assured for many. WE ACT believes that low and moderate income New Yorkers should have access to good quality indoor environmental conditions and affordable housing. Systemic change must occur through legislation that holds the City Administration accountable.
Defining Healthy Affordable Housing
Based on our research WE ACT defines Healthy Affordable Housing as a home where low and moderate income New Yorkers live that is marked not only by the absence of health and safety threats (lead, indoor allergens, radon, carbon monoxide) in the built environment, but also one that supports physical, mental, social and environmental well-being. This definition also includes all aspects of the home including but not limited to energy efficiency, building materials that limit adverse health effects, free of chemicals and the creation of homes using equitable and fair labor practices.[2]
More than any other part of New York, Northern Manhattan residents suffer the most from indoor air pollutants such as, mold, pest infestation and lead dust. the WE ACT for Healthy Homes Campaign is working to improve the housing conditions and the health of Low and Moderate income New Yorkers by engaging government agencies and elected officials to discuss accountability, advocating for the right to have healthy and affordable housing, and by passing legislation including The Asthma Free Bill (Intro 385A).
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