When Isaura Rivera-Marin moved to Kingston from Honduras six years ago, she said it felt exactly like home.

"This place reminds me of the place I was born in my country," she said. "It’s like a familiar area, very close people."

But she didn’t have the easiest time adjusting to the housing situation in Kingston. Rivera-Marin says that grassroots group 'For the Many' helped her stay in her home after conflict with her landlord.


What You Need To Know

  • Kingston recently passed a good cause eviction law

  • Grassroots group "For the Many" is calling for the Ulster County Legislature and the New York State Legislature to pass wide-reaching good cause laws

  • Newburgh and Poughkeepsie have also previously passed good cause laws in the Hudson Valley

"Since that day, I really appreciate that, so I try to give back," she said.

That giving back includes spending a cold night outside the Ulster County Courthouse to discuss her experience while calling for the county and state legislature to pass wide-reaching Good Cause Eviction laws.

The rally follows Kingston’s city council passing a good cause eviction law, becoming the third city in the Hudson Valley to do so, following Newburgh and Poughkeepsie. Local officials say Ulster County and the state need to follow suit.

"It doesn’t only address the necessity of tenants being able to stay in their homes, but it also addressees the adverse health outcomes and inequities that come along with being evicted without cause," said Rita Worthington, Ward 4 alderperson for the Kingston City Council.

Rivera-Marin says tenants need this so they can be protected against unfair evictions.

"[It's] a little bit relaxing, but then you don’t have to think that someone will send you out, you know," she said. "So that relieves your stress, keep your house at least for a couple months until you decide what to do."

Because when tenants can have some relief and protection, she says it improves the entire community.

"If the community is relieved of some stress, all the people are happy," Rivera-Marin said.