What do they say? A weak “warning” and seven demands from a largely invisible group.
More than two months after the funeral for refugee kids killed in the horrific Summit-Cone fire, a group of area organizations came out with demands. Some organization within the group include refugee service providers (RSPs), private contractors responsible for placing refugees into Summit-Cone.
Link to the full News-Record Letter
(5) Identify and support innovative efforts and people that lead toward safe and affordable housing for all.
(6) Work with refugee and immigrant service providers, leaders and advocates to increase outreach and education efforts to newcomer communities on housing rights and city/nonprofit services
(7) Encourage landlords and city staff to move beyond just meeting minimum standards, to ensuring tenants feel comfortable, safe and happy — doing so will bring tremendous meaning to their work and build safer, healthier and more inclusive communities for all.
More than two months after the funeral for refugee kids killed in the horrific Summit-Cone fire, a group of area organizations came out with demands. Some organization within the group include refugee service providers (RSPs), private contractors responsible for placing refugees into Summit-Cone.
Link to the full News-Record Letter
Summary of “SANTRI” demands
(1) Why was the 2016 Minimum Housing Standards Commission rescinded the demolition order?
Status:
This is a good question that must be answered by the City.
(2) Offer swift condemnations and penalties for landlords who discriminate and disregard the humanity and concerns of their diverse tenants.
Status:
The City has a new set of procedures that repairs unrepaired violations and then bills the landlord, effectively placing a lien on the property. Although seemingly a technicality, it has broad implications for the landlord, investors, businesses etc. These procedures were in place before the May 12 fire.
(3) Refuse to reduce monetary fines for landlords who are repeat offenders.
Status:
This is a good issue that must be answered by the City.
(4) Create an emergency housing fund that helps to immediately fix issues or potentially relocate those who have been mistreated.
Status:
Greensboro Housing Coalition and its partners have had this in place for years.
Status:
While 'SANTRI' calls for this, no members have been spotted at housing events created by the Center for Housing and Community Studies, including the June 1 all-day housing symposium and Housing Hangout that brought in state housing advocates.
Status:
Since the fire, refugee service providers have mostly been absent from meetings in which families, the Families Committee, City officials and housing advocates have attended.
Status:
SANTRI and refugee service providers have not signaled that they will no longer place refugees into dangerous housing owned by Arco Realty, something Greensboro Housing Coalition announced. This is a good suggestion, but it will require more than landlords and City to work together. SANTRI must be there — and for the most part, it hasn't been.
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Conclusion
“For those who choose to discriminate or take advantage of our clients and friends, we will no longer stand by. We will not remain silent when the safety and well-being of our clients and friends are compromised by substandard housing — not when people’s lives are at stake. Our network of immigrant and refugee leaders, service providers, community advocates and faith communities are ready to help make the changes necessary to prevent future tragedies, but we need answers and an open, frank conversation about why this happened and how to prevent future ”
Status:
These are powerful words that belie the truth. If SANTRI is acting, it is doing so well out of the light of public scrutiny. It seems very silent and unlikely at this point to flex any muscle, in public view or out of sight behind closed doors. Its members include those who have inherent conflicts of interests since their organizations knew of the dangers of Summit Cone Apartments yet placed their clients there anyway.
