ST. PAUL, MN – Former residents of the Lowry Building apartments in downtown St. Paul have been displaced for a second time in just one month following the condemnation of the building.
Representative María Isa Pérez-Vega (DFL-Saint Paul), lead House author of the tenant’s right to organize bill, issued the following statement:
“Access to safe and adequate housing is a fundamental human right, essential for the inherent dignity and well-being of all Minnesotans. My constituents, the former tenants of the Lowry Building, express feeling abandoned by the very people they elected to represent them – to care for and protect them, especially in times of need. Instead, they have been left to fend for themselves, treated inhumanely. This second displacement has affected renters from diverse backgrounds, demonstrating that a 'one-size-fits-all' approach is unsustainable and fails to address the complex needs of this crisis.”
Rep. Pérez-Vega outlined the steps she is taking to support the displaced residents:
“I stand in solidarity with the tenants as they fight for stable living arrangements while the issues with Halverson and Blaiser Group, the acting landlord and building manager, are resolved. My office is working closely with housing advocates and tenant union leaders. We are exploring how the state can support those considering a class action lawsuit. The city and county's handling of this situation has exacerbated the homelessness crisis in my district but has also perpetuated the disproportionate impact on BIPOC renters. We must acknowledge that systemic inequities are at play and demand a more effective and equitable response.
“As a renter myself, I understand the impact of housing disparities and discrimination. The lack of adequate emergency services for these residents, who feel abandoned by the system, demands immediate action. We must not only address these issues but also implement concrete solutions to secure housing for them.
“With numerous vacant buildings available, I am committed to supporting these tenants throughout the upcoming legislative session. However, the city and county must also address the apparent disconnects within their emergency housing assistance programs, particularly regarding Direct Support and Investment (DSI). I have contacted both city and county governments on these matters and await their response.”
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