Dear Neighbor,

My staff and I often hear from constituents about myriad housing issues that affect everyone, from young renters to rent-regulated tenants to co-op and condo owners. Starting tomorrow, I am hosting a four-part virtual lunch hour series with housing attorneys and advocates on a wide range of topics. At these virtual events, you will learn how to get repairs in your apartment, steps to take if you are behind on your rent, informative tools for navigating Housing Court, and resources for co-op and condo owners. 

Tomorrow’s event at noon will feature tenant attorney Michael Grinthal from Take Root Justice. He will review what rights market rate and rent-stabilized tenants have when it comes to repairs, what your landlord is responsible for fixing, and what options you have if you’re struggling to obtain repairs. Every tenant has a right to a safe and habitable apartment and this webinar will equip you with the tools you need to take action.

The second event will take place this Thursday at noon and will be led by Jenny Laurie, the Executive Director of Housing Court Answers. New York’s housing and affordability crisis has affected all types of renters and many tenants have fallen behind on their rent. Jenny will review what you can do to pay back your rental arrears, resources that are available from government agencies and organizations, and strategies for re-entering the workforce. If you are struggling to pay rent, currently have rental arrears, or are in Housing Court, join us this Thursday at noon. 

Below please find the date, time, and speaker for each webinar along with an individual RSVP link for each event. 

Best,

Liz Krueger

State Senator

Session 1: How to Get My Landlord to Make Repairs

Tuesday, November 19, 12 pm - 1 pm

Michael Grinthal, Take Root Justice

Session 2: You've Fallen Behind on Your Rent, Now What?

Thursday, November 21, 12 pm - 1 pm

Jenny Laurie, Housing Court Answers

Session 3: Appearing in Housing Court Without a Lawyer

Tuesday, December 3, 12 pm - 1 pm

Pablo Zevallos, The Legal Aid Society

Session 4: Co-op and Condo Owner Rights and Resources

Thursday, December 5, 12 pm - 1 pm

Rose Marie Cantanno, NYLAG

You will have the option of joining the events online through Zoom or watching them live-streamed on Facebook. You do not need a Facebook account or profile to view the events through Facebook. You will also have the option of calling in to access the audio-only portion of the events. 

Each event will feature a question-and-answer session with Senator Krueger and the webinar presenter. Attendees can submit questions through Zoom and Facebook during the events but are strongly encouraged to submit them in advance.

The events will be recorded and available to view afterward at krueger.nysenate.gov and facebook.com/statesenatorlizkrueger, along with the slides and links that were shared. They will also be emailed to everyone who RSVP'd for the events.

After you register, a confirmation email with the Zoom link and the call-in information will be sent immediately and you will receive a reminder email one week before the events. 

Please let us know if you plan to attend any or all sessions of the Virtual Housing Lunch Hour Series by registering at each RSVP link above.

Please see below for details and registration information for Senator Krueger's 2024 Virtual Older Adult Resource Fair.

Session I: Connecting While Solo Aging

Friday, December 6th

2 pm – 3:30 pm

Loneliness is a growing epidemic in the United States but aging solo does not mean you are alone. In this session you will hear from presenters that offer programs to help you connect and from older adults who are having new adventures.

• Beverly Bartlett, Reverend, Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church
• Grace Morton, Center for Healthy Aging, New York Academy of Medicine
• Detective Anthony Nuccio, Crime Prevention Office and Older Adult Liaison, 19th Precinct
• Robin Strashun, Volunteer Director, Search and Care, With Solo Agers
• Lauren Taylor, M.A., M.S., L.C.S.W., SPOP

Session II: Arts and Culture

Thursday, December 12th

2 pm – 3:30 pm



New York is the cultural capital of the world! Hear from a selection of leading cultural institutions to learn about no- and low-cost options for older adults providing access to the best of what the City has to offer.

• Laura Schweller, Associate Educator, Community and Access Programs, MoMA
• Eleni DeSiervo, Senior Director Government Relations, Lincoln Center
• John-Morgan Bush, Dean, Juilliard Extension Program
• David Knapp, Deputy Director, Hiram Brown Center for Older Adults, 92Y
• Gladys Perez-Mojica, Associate Director of Public Engagement Programs, TDF (Theater Development Fund)

Session III: Legal Resources

Friday, December 13th

2 pm – 3:45 pm



Many of us need legal resources as we age to create later life planning documents, access home care, and to help obtain benefits. Hear from legal services organizations that offer no- and low-cost services. (Be aware there are income eligibility requirements which vary for each program.)

• Elisa M. Tustian, Director, Senior Law Project, Volunteers of Legal Services (VOLS)
• Libby Vasquez, Director of Legal Services, Legal Hotline and Planning and Estates Law Project, New York City Bar Association
• Michele Kirschbaum, Director of Programs, New York Peace Institute
• Rebecca Wallach, Director, Evelyn Frank Legal Resource Program, New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG)
• Erin Shahinfar, Staff Attorney, Advanced Planning Practice, Public Benefits Resource Program, NYLAG
• Nic Shugar, Law Graduate, Elder Law Practice, NYLAG