Tens years of struggle for housing

Picture the Homeless held a fundraising public meeting at Judson Memorial Church in New York City on Nov. 17, PTH’s 10th anniversary. Hundreds of supporters came out to support this dynamic grassroots organization. PTH advocates direct action such as takeovers of abandon buildings to reinforce the demand that housing is a right, not a privilege.

The main slogan of PTH, whose leadership includes homeless people, is: “Organizing for justice and respect: Don’t talk about us. Talk with us.”

The meeting honored three activists, including the late Lewis Haggins, a PTH founder; Jean Rice, a PTH board member; and Brenda Stokely, a leader of the New York City Coalition in Solidarity with Katrina/Rita Survivors. New York City Councilperson Charles Barron presented Stokely citations from Councilperson Letitia James and New York State Assembly-person Inez Barron, for her longtime work for housing rights.