Take Action for Fair Chance for Housing!
Open Hearts is a member of the Fair Chance for Housing campaign.
The New York City Council recently held a hearing on the Fair Chance for Housing Act (Intro. 632), which would ban housing discrimination against people with conviction records—something that currently serves as a huge barrier for many neighbors trying to exit shelter and access housing. We know that housing is a human right, and it’s also a crucial part of community safety. This bill will help folks exit homelessness and find the stability that comes with having permanent housing.
Unfortunately, there’s a lot of fear-mongering going around about this bill—so if you’re a NYC resident and you believe that everyone deserves housing, the City Council needs to hear from you! Scroll down to learn about how to take action.
Call your Council Member. (Even if they already support the bill!)
Email your Council Member - or send them a tweet!
Not sure who your Council Member is or how to contact them?
Not sure what to say? Here’s a sample script!
Hi, my name is [YOUR NAME], I live at [YOUR ADDRESS OR NEIGHBORHOOD].
If your Council Member is NOT signed onto the bill, or if you’re not sure if your Council Member supports the bill: I’m calling to urge [COUNCIL MEMBER’S NAME] to support the Fair Chance for Housing Act, Intro. 632, to end housing discrimination against people with conviction records.
If your Council Member is already a co-sponsor of the bill: I’m calling to thank [COUNCIL MEMBER’S NAME] for co-sponsoring the Fair Chance for Housing Act, Intro. 632, to end housing discrimination against people with conviction records.
Nearly 750,000 New Yorkers have a conviction record, and they are family members, friends, and community members. I believe that everyone deserves a home, and housing for everyone makes everyone safer.
Thanks so much!
There’s a super easy tool on the Fair Chance campaign website that you can use to send an email (or tweet) to your Council Member!