Serrano Connects Eastwood Residents With Housing Experts

The event brought together Urban American, the management company, and the Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR), which administers the Section 8 program at Eastwood.

Also featured on the panel were representatives from the Center for the Independence of the Disabled New York (CIDNY), the City-Wide Task Force on Housing Court, the Office of the New York City Comptroller, and Eviction Intervention Services (EIS).

The event was co-sponsored with EIS and the Eastwood Residents Association. Lynne Strong-Shinozaki from EIS moderated the panel. It was followed by one-on-one breakout sessions between residents and panelists in the basement community room.

"Last year's housing forum was a great way to understand the problem and help organize residents. This year we have increased the focus," said the Senator. "To have residents meet one-on-one with management or DHCR is essential to solving persistent troubles."

At least 30 residents took part in the one-on-one meetings. The Senator's office and Eviction Intervention Services have promised to ensure that all cases discussed receive appropriate follow-up from management and DHCR.