We Must Not and Cannot Accept Inadequate Living Conditions as Normal or Reasonable

While The Richmond Times-Dispatch (RTD) writes flippant editorials seemingly impugning my literacy, folks in Creighton Court are huddled around one space heater trying desperately to keep their families warm.

The RTD, according to their own tweet, seems to think that breaking pipes are not breaking news. Well, it should be each and every time. That’s how we give voice to the voiceless and how we defend those who live in the margins. Contrary to the RTD's position, we must not and cannot ever accept this as normal or reasonable.  People deserve better and I will continue to work everyday to make sure they have these basics. 

I am proud of my long history of supporting decent and quality shelter for all people and for working not only to get resources to make that a reality but standing up to ensure decent public housing. My partnership with Henrico County to achieve new ownership and improved conditions for the residents of Essex Village is well-documented both in this newspaper and on numerous news programs.

My record of requesting additional resources while ensuring monies are spent widely and frugally is long standing. I supported legislation as a Virginia legislator, worked (and was successful) in securing housing grants from the federal government and have supported funding in the federal budget.

For days, we have had families with virtually no heat, one or two space heaters to warm an entire apartment. As families get dressed, bathe, get ready for work, they are forced to go into unheated parts of the apartment even as the temperature outside never goes above freezing.

Today, RRHA announced that they are moving families into heated units. I am so pleased that the suffering will be alleviated. This is why it is important to always bring attention to these issues and to never normalize suffering. While the newspaper makes frivolous claims about my reading, we have been working to resolve the untenable situation and now we have some resolution.

I am going to continue to work hard each and every day to make sure every Virginian lives in decent quality affordable housing with necessities like heat, running water and decent cleanliness.

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