Albany, NY – New York State Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero (D, WFP) today presented a check for $20,000 to United Tenants of Albany (UTA) to support a new initiative she helped spearhead which will provide housing assistance to tenants who have been displaced by Unsafe Unfit (USUF) designations. 

These tenants often lose access to their housing with little notice and are denied restitution in the court system, leaving them effectively homeless with no recourse. This program helps to close that gap. It will allow UTA to expand their services in the City of Albany, giving them the means to provide short-term hotel placements for a maximum of 14 days, and/or first month’s rent or security deposit assistance to move into new long-term housing. UTA will also be able to work with tenants to advocate for their rights and hold landlords accountable.

Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero:
“I’m proud to invest in UTA and support this important initiative that will help residents in need throughout the City of Albany. Everyone deserves access to safe, dignified housing and it’s simply unacceptable for people to be left without shelter as a result of unsafe living conditions that are out of their control. UTA has been an incredible partner in supporting and advocating for tenants in our community and I’m honored to help expand the important work they are doing.”

Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy: 

“I want to commend Assemblymember Gabriella Romero for her leadership and compassion in supporting tenants who have been displaced through no fault of their own. This $20,000 investment in the United Tenants of Albany will provide critical assistance to families facing uncertainty and help ensure they have a safe place to call home. Housing is a fundamental right, and through partnerships like this, we’re standing up for our neighbors and strengthening our entire community.” 

UTA Executive Director Canyon Ryan: 

"In 2024, more than 300 units were taken off-line due to unsafe-unfit designations in the City of Albany, rendering 300 households homeless with little recourse or notice, all for calling code enforcement to improve the conditions of their home. With Assemblymember Romero's support, and collaboration from across our community, we're looking forward to supporting tenants in securing temporary, dignified shelter in the short-term, and sustainable, habitable, and safe housing in the long-term." 

City of Albany Department of Buildings and Regulatory Compliance Director Richard LaJoy: 

“I was honored to join many of my colleagues from the State, County and City this morning to celebrate the presentation of a check for $20,000.00 to the United Tenants of Albany. This money will be used to help house residents who are temporarily displaced due to their dwelling unit becoming Unsafe and Unfit, and will help keep families together during a very stressful time of their lives. This is yet another tool in the tool box to help support people who become unhoused due to unfortunate circumstances that are out of their control. The hope is that residents will be able to go into temporary housing until the property owner is able to resolve the issues that created the unit to be deemed Unsafe and Unfit. We look forward to our continued work with our colleagues and stakeholders for the betterment of our residents.”