Since 1983, Dalma has been involved with every aspect of the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition (NWBCCC), a CCHD-funded consortium of 10 neighborhood associations and 18 churches in a section of New York City that is home to 380,000 low- and moderate-income residents. With CCHD's help, the NWBCCC has developed local leadership to successfully address tenant issues, school overcrowding and environmental concerns.
As Dalma says, "When people talk about their problems, they'll find solutions by working together. No one can do it alone." Formed in 1974, the NWBCCC provides a mix of direct service and tenant organizing in its changing neighborhood. Over the years, CCHD funds have helped the Coalition obtain new school facilities, repairs to aging housing stock and the return of banks that had abandoned the area.
Like Dalma, tenant leader Anthony Martinez is fighting back against the disrepair and drug trade that has befallen his building. In the summer of 1999, the 55-unit building had 540 housing code violations, including no locks on the front door or mailboxes and no ceiling in Anthony's apartment, where he lives with his wife, two children and widowed father.
Anthony and his wife joined other tenants at a meeting organized by NWBCCC, and together, they have tried to persuade the building's owner and the bank that holds the mortgage for the property to make basic improvements. Progress has been slow but noticeable. Along with improvements to the building, the tenants are sharing their stories and strategies with residents in neighboring buildings and have stood up to efforts by the building's management to discourage their organizing activities. Anthony and his fellow tenants also have filed a legal action asking the City of New York to transfer the management of the building from the owner to someone chosen by the tenants. This change would allow the tenants to ensure that rent monies are used for maintenance, repairs and security, as well as to pay the owner's mortgage.
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NWBCCC achievements...
As part of its program to help community residents, NWBCCC:
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Maintains an organizing presence in 75 residential buildings, pushing for aggressive enforcement of the New York City Housing Code.
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Seeks protection of the local water supply and green spaces though the relocation of a proposed filtration plan.
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Works with local police to reduce prostitution and drug sales in the neighborhood. |
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