August 25, 2025

When you go on an airplane, what is the first thing they do with you before they take off? They give you instructions to help you in case of an emergency. A tenant board acts the same way. We want to help you have the tools to be prepared for an emergency and handle the issues you face, not alone but together. 

    The first thing an airline will tell you is that in case of an emergency and oxygen masks fall, please put on your oxygen mask. If you have someone with you who needs assistance, first put your own oxygen mask on before helping another. The same applies to our situation.

 I am asking you to please first put your own oxygen mask on. I know you are wondering where this woman is going here. So bear with me. Hoffman is like dealing with an emergency 747 crashing out of the sky. It feels overwhelming, burdensome, and never-ending. Those are the words described to me over the past months. When people have an issue, it's met with silence, ignoring, or blaming. This behavior has created mistrust, unease, and uncertainty. But your tenant board was created to be the oxygen mask for your situation.             

  We are here so that you no longer have you fight and feel alone. Your small voice that doesn't feel like it's being heard becomes a big, loud voice to be reckoned with. 

  We have, slowly step by step, been making those voices heard. We understand there is a lot of behind-the-scenes things going on that aren't always shared. Sometimes for specific reasons. But there are always things going on to ensure we change what has been happening. 

 Working with all of the organizations, State officials, we are because the system that works against us needs to change. Accountability, transparency, safety, and health shouldn't be an afterthought but the first thought. Every string that creates or contributes to the problem needs to be weeded out and clipped. That takes a step-by-step process to do, with that's how it became the mess it is today. Step by step, something was allowed or a blind eye was turned. Which means step by step, we need to shed light on every problem or issue to stop it from repeating. In doing so, we have to fight issues with facts. So when an issue arises, we need to document it, have it looked at and inspected by someone trustworthy.

    We will, in the coming days, be posting about tenant laws and how we can help. What you can do and where to go when an issue arises. We will be doing monthly tenant meetings so you can hear about what is going on, what we have been doing, and where our money and time are spent. The importance of what we are doing is key to creating transparency and helping to fix the issues. This September (original date changed), we will be doing a know your rights workshop with the Attorney General’s office in the state. We will be doing bi-monthly community meets so you can get to know your neighbors and fellow communities. To have a little fun in the process. 

       Before anything, though, I am asking you to put on your oxygen mask. Become a member. When you are in the midst of an emergency and feel like there is no way out, don't refuse the oxygen mask that is there to help you. Together, I promise you we will change things. It’s hard, it's scary, and I know some days you want to just throw in the towel or ask Why should I? The answer is simple: when we do nothing, everything stays the same; when we do something, the possibilities are endless. The first step is becoming a member, so you can join the fight and help yourself and others.

  Every step in history that has been made to change what is happening to a specific group of people takes courage, a willingness, and strength to change the script. And leaders who are willing to be the oxygen mask to people who desperately need one when it feels like everything is spinning out of control. 

Sincerely,

Amber

President of HTAG