February 2025 Community Gathering - Just Cause Part 2

February 6, 2025 - by Marti LoMonaco - All In for Milford’s February gathering picked up right where we left off in January, exploring Fair Housing and how we can work together to get the Just Cause Bill passed in the 2025 Legislative Session. We were graciously hosted by the Woodruff Family YMCA with lots of goodies provided by stalwart AIFM members.

The evening featured a variety of speakers who helped participants understand all aspects of the issue -- why the lack of affordable housing is an on-going problem that negatively affects community life -- and what we, collectively and as individuals, can do about it.

Jennifer Paradis opened the meeting with an interactive discussion on why affordable housing is so hard to find in Connecticut: high rents, stagnant salaries, corporate and private equity buyouts of properties, rise of short-term rentals, older properties not being well maintained, and expiring, deed-restricted housing, without a plan to maintain affordability. “We treat housing as a commodity,” Jenn declared, “something to be bought and sold at a profit. But it’s also an essential need and human right. How do we square the need for a roof with the drive for profit?”

Kim McLaughlin provided a history of the Just Cause Legislation and reviewed the essential points: to expand protection to all residents of buildings with five or more units; prevent compliant tenants from eviction without “just cause;” allow landlords to evict tenants with “just cause.” She shared several stories of woe, each of which exemplified why this legislation is so needed, and addressed lots of questions from the audience.

Kim introduced Cynthia Conrad, who gave examples of how everyone can make a difference: discuss Just Cause with your elected representatives and attend special meetings called by your reps to review the issues; testify at the upcoming 24-hour Just Cause Public Hearing; canvas in your community -- door-to-door, at scheduled events, in public spaces (stores, shopping malls, etc.); talk to your neighbors and friends.

Cynthia introduced Karen Ellis, who delivered an eloquent testimony she wrote in support of Just Cause and hopes to deliver at the hearing (folks will be chosen via lottery). Mike Matovu from All In For Seymour, who is an experienced canvasser, then described what he does and how his work makes a positive impact in his community.

Jenn returned for a quick wrap-up and plea for everyone to leave the meeting ready to act. 

Please open the How To and follow the easy instructions. You can make a difference in helping to create a comprehensive bill and get it passed this year.

Thanks for your support and action!

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