Securing a Houston housing justice organizing win

ORGANIZING WIN: On June 1, 2022, TOP’s Harris County Housing Justice campaign members were pleased to see included in next year’s Houston city budget the funding for salaries for eight habitability/health inspectors in the first year of the Apartment Inspection Reform program — an initiative of Houston City Council Member Letitia Plummer (At-Large, Position 4).

TOP Houston members testified in support of this passed budget amendment which will increase accountability for landlords to provide livable housing for ALL Houston tenants.

Our Harris County Housing Justice campaign believes housing is a fundamental human right. Every Houstonian deserves to live in a home that is clean, safe, and inhabitable. We are proud that this passed budget amendment will ultimately improve housing conditions for many more Houston tenants in the coming months.

Contact Mitzi Ordoñez at mordonez@organizetexas.org to learn more about this victory and how you can get involved in our Harris County Housing Justice efforts.

Winning Enhanced Library Cards for Harris County

An ID for the people, by the people

It’s official. After months of organizing with Houston Leads partners, Harris County will now offer residents new enhanced library cards! TOP and allies held a press conference Tuesday, April 5, 2022 celebrating the launch of this new enhanced library card program. Not having a form of photo ID presents challenges for vulnerable communities across Harris County, especially for those who are experiencing homelessness, the formerly incarcerated, domestic abuse survivors who have lost their documentation, and those without the ability to access a state ID.

This is a TOP home-grown campaign win, started by TOP immigration justice campaign members who identified this ID as an opportunity to fill a community need.

The enhanced library cards will include a photo, name, date of birth, and address for the recipient, providing Harris County residents who lack access to a form of identification with a basic form of alternative, non-traditional photo ID. Learn more about the new cards here.

Notable news coverage:

Houston Chronicle: Advocates tout ‘enhanced’ Harris County library cards, urge authorities to accept them as ID

ABC 13: Enhanced library cards designed to help Harris County residents with no photo ID

For more information about this campaign win and TOP’s immigration justice campaign efforts in Harris County, email Damaris Gonzalez at dgonzalez@organizetexas.org

Celebrating Women’s History Month at TOP

Women are the heartbeat of the world: setting the agenda, driving change, building and flexing power for the common good, and achieving what was once the unimaginable.

As a group founded and led by women across the organization, TOP this month and every month channels the indomitable spirit of freedom-fighting women who came before us, with special focus on revolutionary women of color who, through, vision, immense struggle and sacrifice, have made countless contributions that have brought us closer to our collective liberation.

We are not asking for a ‘seat at the table’; we are unapologetically building our own while redefining what is possible every day through our very existence, and women of color are leading the way.

Throughout the month of March on TOP’s social media, we will be highlighting the contributions of women icons in the movement, as well as uplifting the work of TOP members and staff.

Check out our Women’s History Month playlist on Spotify.

Follow TOP’s official Spotify account.

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Ramping up our calls for Medicaid expansion in Texas

Join TOP and #SickOfItTX coalition allies virtually this Friday, March 5, for #MedEx4TX Advocacy Day — a day of action calling on our elected officials in the Texas Legislature to #ExpandMedicaid now!

Texas can’t recover while Texans aren’t covered, and our state continues to have the highest uninsured rate in the nation. Last year, more than 1.6 million Texans lost a job, and with it, their health insurance.

Healthcare is a human right. Texans need coverage and Texas leaders can do something about it. Over 2.2 million Texans could gain coverage if our state expands Medicaid.

Sign up to be a part of a #MedEx4TX Advocacy Day and make your voice heard Friday.

Share the Facebook event here.

For more information, call or text Sofia Sepulveda at (210) 202-8678.

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Learn about state bills that will lift up our communities

The Texas Legislature is now in full swing, and the stakes are high for Black and Latino families.

Join us Thursday, March 4, from 4 to 6 p.m. for a virtual town hall on Facebook Live, where we will hear from some members of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus who are introducing House and Senate bills on the critical issues of police reform, bail reform, second chances for people previously incarcerated, juvenile justice, and more.

During the livestream, you’ll also have a chance to learn more about our Justice Can’t Wait 2021 Legislative Platform.

RSVP on Facebook here and share the event.

For more information, call or text Koretta Brown at (713) 418-0251.

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Stepping up to assist Texans still recovering from Winter Storm Uri

Public hearings on Gov. Abbott’s ERCOT are done for now, and as much as our governor tries to escape blame, Texans know he’s responsible for our state’s horrible preparation and response to Winter Storm Uri.

The winter storm was brutal for all across Texas, but once again, Black and Latino families endured the worst of Gov. Abbott’s incompetence, with many still struggling through hardship right now as a result.

In response, TOP has teamed up on the ground with partners Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio to ensure our communities continue to receive the resources they need to recover, including clean water, food, and some immediate direct cash assistance for relief.

Donate to the Power Up Texas Fund to support families still recovering from the devastating winter storm.

We appreciate all who have already donated to the fund. TOP is committed to holding Gov. Abbott accountable for this massive, avoidable disaster, while making sure Black and Latino communities are not left struggling due to his failures.

Also, if you’re a San Antonio resident, you’re invited to be part of a winter storm recovery virtual meeting we’re hosting TODAY, March 2, at 6 p.m. — RSVP ON FACEBOOK HERE.

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Strengthening our movement through the power of music

Through our celebrations, struggles, and just everyday life, music plays a vital role in how we connect with one another, as well as how we see the world around us. It’s also a powerful tool for collective expression and a driving force for societal change.

That’s why for all you fellow music lovers out there, TOP now has its own Spotify account! Follow us on Spotify here.

In the weeks and months to come, expect us to share curated playlists that complement our issue-based campaigns and our fight for justice.

Listen to TOP’s first Spotify playlist here!

TOP in the news

Texas Tribune: Gov. Abbott prioritized changing how bail is set. He isn’t addressing people stuck behind bars because they can’t afford to pay.

Telemundo San Antonio: Inquilinos denuncian problemas de moho en complejo de apartamentos

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Your contribution drives our work and allows us to fight for our neighborhoods every day.

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Our state lawmakers need to hear from us. Submit your winter storm story!

This Thursday, February 25, the Texas House of Representatives will hold a public hearing in Austin to address ERCOT’s lack of preparedness for this winter storm, but Gov. Abbott doesn’t want to testify about his administration’s failures that led to power outages and impacted water supplies across the state. To make matters worse, only invited guests will be allowed to speak.

TOP and our allies want to make sure these legislators know how the freezing temperatures, power outages, and water shortages have impacted you and your family. So we’re inviting you to share your written and video testimony as we demand answers for Texans.

Your powerful stories will be shared publicly with Gov. Abbott, ERCOT, and the hearing officials on the day of the hearing so that your voice can be heard. #AbbottBlackout

SHARE YOUR STORY HERE.

TOP in the news

Texas Tribune: Gov. Abbott prioritized changing how bail is set. He isn’t addressing people stuck behind bars because they can’t afford to pay.

Telemundo San Antonio: Inquilinos denuncian problemas de moho en complejo de apartamentos

TOP is YOUR organization!

Your contribution drives our work and allows us to fight for our neighborhoods every day.

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PAY YOUR DUES
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Providing critical aid to Black and Latino Texans hit hard by Winter Storm Uri

Gov. Abbott and state government officials have failed us once again, this time through their complete lack of preparation leading up to and gross negligence during Winter Storm Uri’s tear through Texas last week. TOP is now working to make sure our communities are getting ample resources to recover, as we hold Abbott accountable for choosing deregulation and corporate profits over our lives.

Since last week, TOP has made nearly 5,000 calls to our members and supporters across the state in partnership with the Movement for Black Lives to complete wellness checks and provide some direct cash assistance for immediate relief. Our staff has also been on the ground in Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio assisting with mutual aid fund efforts to make sure our communities’ most vulnerable have adequate shelter, water, and food. No matter the challenge, we’re here for making sure our Black and Latino communities recover from this mess to the fullest extent.

To help TOP and our statewide partners widen our reach to help more families in dire need, make a donation to the Power Up Texas Fund.

Also, it was announced today that 31 more Texas counties have been added to the federal major disaster declaration. That’s in addition to the 77 counties approved late last week. Learn more here how you can apply for disaster relief from FEMA.

This winter storm was brutal for all Texans affected, but even more so for low-income and Black and Latino communities already marginalized by Gov. Abbott and his right-wing allies. These are households that have been struggling to make ends meet because of Abbott’s failed pandemic response that has left many financially struggling.

As the overseer of the Public Utility Commission of Texas and ERCOT (Energy Reliability Council of Texas), Abbott must take full responsibility and answer for this failure that has since caused millions to suffer and has already cost the lives of dozens.

TOP in the news

Texas Tribune: Gov. Abbott prioritized changing how bail is set. He isn’t addressing people stuck behind bars because they can’t afford to pay.

Telemundo San Antonio: Inquilinos denuncian problemas de moho en complejo de apartamentos

TOP is YOUR organization!

Your contribution drives our work and allows us to fight for our neighborhoods every day.

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PAY YOUR DUES
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Fighting for the rights of tenants in Harris County

No one should be facing eviction in the middle of a pandemic. Housing is a human right. Since last March, even with the CDC eviction moratorium in place and having been extended, there have been THOUSANDS of evictions filed in the City of Houston.

The CDC moratorium failed to protect the majority of these residents. Houston renters must come together and demand the swift, bold relief we need. We believe all deserve an affordable and safe place to call home.

That’s why our Housing Justice campaign this past weekend was engaging with apartment tenants in the Cypress Station area of Harris County to hear their concerns and let them know of their rights!

For more information on how to get involved in our Harris County Housing Justice Campaign, call or text Rai Prysock at (832) 652-6255.

TOP in the news 

Raw Story: Democrats are ‘clearly poised’ for a Georgia-like victory in Texas: journalist

TOP is YOUR organization!

Your contribution drives our work and allows us to fight for our neighborhoods every day.

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