| TENAC ***MEDIA RELEASE*** DC TENANTS' ADVOCACY COALITION ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release: September 15, 2008 For Further Information: Jim McGrath (202) 387-1893
LEDC FUNDING SI!
DHCD FUNDING CUTS NO!
We do not know what in the world the District's Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is thinking of to cut renewed funding for the Latino Economic Development Corporation (LEDC). LEDC is one of the premier organizations in this city devoted to preventing tenant displacement and preserving affordable rental housing. Its importance to the Latino community in the District, which has historically been underserved and underrepresented is critical. This is no time to shortchange an organization doing great work!
TENAC knows first hand the work of LEDC. We have seen them assist and advise tenant associations all across the District. They have developed a level of effectiveness and trust among one of the most vulnerable populations in our midst. Not just Latinos, but all of us have been the beneficiaries. To cite just one example, LEDC's work at the Norwood Apartments, where TENAC is also heavily involved, has been outstanding. Norwood is a primarily Latino building, whose residents have endured some of the worst rental housing hardships on record. Acute infestation problems, bedbugs, roaches, mice, mold, broken elevators, security problems, absentee maintenance and building management personnel—you name it—are only some of the problems afflictng Norwood residents. The Norwood Tenants' Association (NTA), under the strong leadership of Silvia Salazar, and with the help of LEDC, has worked long and hard to reverse these calamities. They have come a long way, but have a long way to go.
The Norwood is just one of the 52 buildings, involving almost 4,000 affordable apartments for low and moderate income residents LEDC has assisted this year alone. That record speaks for itself. It should speak loud and clear to the funding authorities at DHCD as well. TENAC urges every voice interested in tenant rights and affordable housing to contact DHCD and urge renewed funding immediately. Contact DCHD Director Leila Finucane Edmonds, at Leila.edmonds@dc.gov. The work of LEDC must go on without interruption.
LONG LIVE LEDC!
DC TENANTS' ADVOCACY COALITION REPRESENTING ALL D.C. TENANTS P.O. BOX 7237 , DC 20044 (202) 628-3688 www.tenac.org E-MAIL: tenacdc@yahoo.com
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