BROOKLYN, NY, June 7, 2017: Today, the Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council (PHNDC) announced a new campaign to address displacement pressure experienced by tenants of the neighborhood’s rent-stabilized apartments. Executed in partnership with IMPACCT Brooklyn and JustFix.nyc, the Know Your Rights, Keep Your Apartment initiative will educate residents of multifamily housing on protecting their rights as tenants, offer web and mobile tools for documenting instances of harassment, and provide referrals for assistance to tenants threatened with displacement.

PHNDC’s research has shown that, over the past fifteen years, as much as twenty percent of the residents of Prospect Heights have been directly displaced from the neighborhood. “We know that Prospect Heights residents believe social and economic diversity is key to maintaining the quality of life in our community,” said PHNDC Chair Rob Witherwax. “This initiative is a response to gentrification and development pressure that ultimately affects everyone living and working in this neighborhood.”

“With our partners IMPACCT Brooklyn and JustFix.nyc, we’re rolling out a full-lifecycle campaign that prepares tenants with strategies to counter harassment, assistance for when they experience it, and ongoing organizing support,” said Gib Veconi of PHNDC’s Housing Committee.

Bernell Grier, Executive Director of IMPACCT Brooklyn, said, “The ‘Know Your Rights, Keep Your Apartment’ campaign is a natural fit for IMPACCT’s more than fifty years’ experience providing anti-displacement services in northwest Brooklyn, including Crown Heights and Prospect Heights. We look forward to extending our reach through the JustFix.nyc platform.”

Dan Kass, Executive Director of JustFix.nyc, said, “The scope of the housing challenge in Brooklyn requires new tools that empower tenants to take action both on their own, as well as in coordination with advocates. This initiative is a great way to demonstrate the opportunity for communities to organize by adopting new technology.”

The campaign will kick off on June 19 at 7:00PM with a tenant forum at PS 9, 80 Underhill Avenue. “Housing is a major concern within the PS 9 community,” said PS 9 PTO Co-President Jesse Hendrich. “We’re delighted to work with PHNDC and its partners to help families at risk of displacement stay here in Prospect Heights.”

PHNDC’s Know Your Rights, Keep Your Apartment campaign is supported through a grant from Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo. “As a member of the New York City Council, I am proud to have been at the forefront of preserving affordable housing and protecting tenant rights. In communities throughout Brooklyn, we have seen hundreds of New Yorkers – particularly the disabled and seniors who deserve to age in place - face illegal eviction tactics by unscrupulous landlords. I want to thank Gib Veconi and the Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council for their continued advocacy to prevent landlord harassment and tenant displacement. Through this forum, we are empowering local residents with critical knowledge about their rights as a tenants, highlighting citywide housing programs and opportunities, while preserving the affordability and diversity of our vibrant community,” said Council Member Cumbo.

More information is available at www.phndc.org/KnowYourRights.