Congressman Gomez, Cathay Manor Residents Host Press Conference to Call for the Removal of Don G. Toy, CEO and President of CCOA Housing Corporation

Statement

Today, Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) joined residents and community leaders at a press conference at Cathay Manor Apartments to call for the resignation of Don G. Toy, Chief Executive Officer and President of C.C.O.A Housing Corporation.

Cathay Manor, a 16-story, 270-unit residential apartment building, is owned and operated by the C.C.O.A. Housing Corporation, a nonprofit entity that developed Cathay Manor with financing through the HUD's Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program and currently receives project-based Section 8 rental assistance.

Residents of the building have cited insufficient building maintenance, pest infestations, and numerous building safety concerns. Residents have also cited frequent and sustained elevator outages that prevent the elderly tenants from accessing food and medical services.

"For far too long, the residents of Cathay Manor--many of whom are elderly and disabled--have had to live in substandard housing," said Congressman Jimmy Gomez. "Under the management of Don Toy and the C.C.O.A. Housing Corporation, this residential building has fallen into an unacceptable state of disrepair. That's why I'm calling on the Department of Housing and Urban Development to end Toy's involvement at Cathay manner as quickly as possible, to take swift and appropriate enforcement action, and to ensure Cathay Manor remains as affordable housing for the residents of Chinatown."

Congressman Gomez also toured the building to meet with residents and community leaders to listen to their concerns.

"HUD must support residents' demands to remove Don Toy from any involvement at Cathay Manor, pursue an investigation of C.C.O.A. Housing Corporation's finances, and address the building's countless health and safety issues," said Frances Huynh, from the Chinatown Community for Equitable Development. "There needs to be accountability. Cathay Manor tenants have the right to live in safe and affordable housing free from abuse and neglect."

"We support Congressmember Jimmy Gomez proposal to dismiss Don Toy--we are very happy," said Ne Hung Hom, president of the Cathay Manor Resident Council. "Don Toy has abused us seniors for years."

This call for action follows months of advocacy for Cathay manor residents by the Office Congressman Gomez. In September, the Office of Congressman Gomez contacted HUD to express concerns about the deteriorating conditions at Cathay Manor. Last month, Congressman Gomez sent a letter to HUD to urge movement to make this building a safer place to live.

In addition to hosting the press conference, Congressman Gomez also sent a letter to HUD to call for Don Toy's immediate resignation. The letter is available for review here and below.

Source