With a new commitment to grassroots empowerment, United for a New Economy (UNE) is the new and improved stage for FRESC, an organization that has been a strong and consistent voice on issues affecting low wage workers and their families for 15 years. Led by people of color and others left behind in our economy, UNE is committed to build the people power needed to create a new economy that works for everyone.
“Even though Colorado’s skyline is dotted with cranes building new, luxury apartments and the headlines trumpet the state’s business growth, too many of our neighbors are slipping further behind, stuck in low wage jobs and unable to afford rent,” said Felicia Griffin, UNE executive director. “We have a vision for strong, vibrant and thriving communities where everyone can find a good job and affordable housing in a safe neighborhood.”
In an effort to build a new economy that works for everyone, UNE is organizing families, youth, workers, seniors, unions, immigrants, communities of color, refugees and faith leaders to advance local, state and national laws and policies that grow wages, increase affordable housing and create safe and supportive communities for all people.
“When my rent for a one-bedroom apartment saturated with black mold doubled, I had to sell our furniture and visit food banks to feed myself and my daughter. That’s just not right,” said Inez Martínez, an UNE leader and Westminster resident. “With UNE I started testifying at city council sessions and rallied my neighbors to push for a new Westminster housing trust fund. Now that we’ve built the people power needed to make change, we’re working on a renter’s bill of rights so no one is forced to live in unsafe housing.”
“When my rent for a one-bedroom apartment saturated with black mold doubled, I had to sell our furniture and visit food banks to feed myself and my daughter. That’s just not right.”
Inez Martínez
UNE intends to build on the 15 years of success achieved by FRESC their predecessor, adding grassroots organizing and leadership development to their well-established policy research and advocacy roles to ensure housing is affordable, safe and accessible, good jobs with benefits are added to the economy and that community members have a voice in the decisions that impact them.
“UNE is building an all-important movement of people power to ensure that no one is left behind,” said Felicia Griffin, UNE executive director. “Community members are completely in charge of our campaigns, from identifying the goals and planning the strategy to implementing the tactics. We are of the people, by the people and for the people.”
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