Our “From Crisis to Horizon: Fighting for Social Housing” event provided a comprehensive examination of the ongoing housing crisis, engaging participants both in-person and via Zoom across two days of insightful panels.
On March 30, 2023, at NYU Law’s Vanderbilt Hall, our discussions kicked off with "Defending Tenants Amid the US Housing Crisis," where experts dissected the challenges tenants face and strategies for tenant protection and advocacy. This was followed by "Building Towards Social Housing in NY," spotlighting initiatives and strategies for creating equitable housing solutions in New York.
The following day, at the Jerry H. Labowitz Theatre for the Performing Arts, the conversation expanded globally with "Toward Social Housing Nationally and Internationally," exploring social housing models from around the world and their applicability to the U.S. context. The final panel, "Translating Aspiration to Legislation," delved into the practical aspects of turning social housing visions into enforceable policies.
This convening highlighted the urgent need for housing that prioritizes democratic principles, inclusion, care, and environmental stewardship. It brought together diverse voices from unions, BLM and abolitionist groups, tenant unions, houseless movements, and community organizations, emphasizing housing’s role in decarbonization and the Green New Deal. The discussions underscored the importance of reimagining social housing as a fundamental step towards addressing the global housing shortage and fostering a more just society.
