Nationwide, public officials have been pushing new plans for public housing including Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) and the Blueprint/Trust. While tenants are told these plans will save our homes and preserve public housing for future generations, evidence from a growing number of tenants, legal advocates and researchers suggests these plans would end public housing and create new risks for tenants.

A recent example includes NYCHA's recent announcement of their plans to demolish Fulton and Chelsea-Elliott Houses and build new mixed-income towers following a vote which did not engage the majority of tenants in these buildings. Tenants are alarmed based on prior failed plans, such as the demolition of Cabrini-Green Houses in Chicago, where less than 20% of tenants were able to return home. When tenants and allies showed to voice their opposition to this plan, they have faced intimidation, being drowned out by bullhorn, and being removed by the police.

The attached petition, started by Save Section 9, is a way for tenants and allies to share their voices with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and speak out against privatization via various programs. While some of the language in the petition refers to New York-specific programs (i.e., the Trust), this petition is meant to speak out against privatization efforts and support existing public housing across the US.