PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Maria Sosa
832-773-3261
msosa
Alain Cisneros (Español)
832-503-3689 acisneros
PRESS STATEMENT ON FIRE AT ZOLLIE SCALES MANOR
[Houston, TX] FIEL laments this unfortunate event which further highlights the need for safer housing in Houston. FIEL Spokespeople are available for comment.
Over the last few months FIEL, has become concerned about safety in Houston’s apartment complexes. This concern is only heightened after a fire at yesterday’s Zollie Scales Manor Apartments in Sunnyside. FIEL has been working in concert with community leaders in Sunnyside on dangerous apartment conditions.
Although the cause of yesterday’s fire has yet to be determined we believe that the recent spate of fires and explosions across the Houston area signal a need for 1) stronger urban planning and 2) stronger code enforcement in multi-family buildings.
There is no need for Houstonian families to be sentenced to life-threatening living conditions because of the cities failure to enforce basic health and safety codes or implement zoning that separates industrial and residential areas. Those most likely to be impacted by poor zoning and code enforcement are low-income and working class black and brown Houstonians. Undocumented Houstonians are especially unable to speak out about poor apartment conditions.
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FIEL: Immigrant Families and Students in the Struggle is an organization that advocates for just laws for immigrant families, access to higher education for all people regardless of immigration status and for the rights of all people in unjust situations.
Twitter: @fielhouston
Facebook: facebook.com/fielhou
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"For Families and Their Education" 