Senior tenants at Harriet Tubman Terrace Apartments are celebrating the biggest victory in their campaign for dignity and accessibility

Elder tenants at Harriet Tubman Terrace Apartments on Adeline are claiming the biggest victory yet in their years-long campaign for dignity and accessibility.  See the press release below, explaining the importance of the City hiring a tenant advocate: “After nearly two years of being misled, stonewalled, and left to live in hazardous conditions, residents…celebrate the success of their strong organizing efforts which resulted in the appointment of a paid housing advocate by the City of Berkeley.”  The press statement also invited everyone in the community to a celebration and press conference Saturday, September 9.

Berkeley Speaks sat down with the newly appointed tenant advocate Ann Simmons of 2 Plus 1 Housing Resolution Services. Ms. Simmons and her team began their work advocating for the tenants in August, and already have made a difference in many of their lives. 

Part of the advocacy work is on an individual basis, Ms. Simmons told us. Tenants may need help connecting to services, or getting information about the changes being made in their living environment. On a more systemic level, she advocates for changes that would benefit the whole group of tenants, such as reopening the community room, or negotiating with the management company to take a more respectful attitude toward the tenants.

But, Ms. Simmons said, an equally important part of her work is creating the foundation for the tenants to succeed when her advocacy stint completes.  Her intention by the time she is done, she said, is that “they will be self-empowered to resolve conflicts, to protect themselves during renovations, and to understand what are their rights as elders.”

If only everyone in need could have access to such advocacy!