We, the long-suffering tenants of Poughkeepsie Housing Authority (PHA), raise our collective voice to address the widespread neglect and indifference we have experienced from the PHA Executive Director and Tenant Relations staff. Critically, these administrators have consistently failed to address our basic needs as tenants, leading to a harsh living condition that borders on inhabitable.

Residents share harrowing experiences of their pleas for assistance going unanswered. Countless complaints about serious problems, such as the stubborn infestation by rodents, roaches, and ants, have fallen on deaf ears. Our repeated attempts to get through to the relevant authorities yields the same disappointing outcome--unreturned calls and unacknowledged messages.

Adding insult to injury, we have learnt from maintenance staff that their orders are to "only focus on the important things", showing a clear disregard for our livelihoods. This act is a blatant shrugging off of responsibility. Tenants have also reported instances of bullying and harassment, distressing situations that have been met with conspicuous silence from the management team.

The statement made by staff that, “Unfortunately, because you don’t make enough money to live elsewhere, this is what you deal with,” is not only dismissive but also deeply concerning. It reflects a lack of empathy and responsibility towards the residents who depend on this housing.

This negligence is unacceptable. In the United States alone, over a million public housing residents suffer from neglect every year. The PHA, one of the largest landlords in Poughkeepsie, should not be part of this saddening statistical reality (source: National Low Income Housing Coalition).

This petition serves as an urgent demand for accountability. Every tenant deserves a dwelling that is worthy of being called a home: a place that is safe, clean, and respectful of their dignity. We call upon the higher authorities responsible for the PHA to take corrective action by either ensuring that the current Executive Director and Tenant Relations staff meet these needs, or by replacing these individuals with personnel who can do more than merely pay lip service to the responsibilities of their office.

Stand with us in this fight for our rights and basic human dignity. Please, sign this petition.