A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dear Friends,

What a time to be a New York City resident!

This year, our city celebrated a long-awaited Knicks championship and welcomed the world for the FIFA World Cup. These moments brought New Yorkers together and reminded us of what is possible when talent, determination, and community come together in pursuit of a common goal.

As we close another fiscal year at Build Up Justice NYC, I find myself reflecting on the moments—large and small—that shape lives, strengthen communities, and create lasting change.

At the Knicks championship parade, Mayor Zohran Mamdani spoke about razor-thin margins that often determine the outcome of championships. Sometimes, victory comes down to a moment so small it is almost imperceptible. Yet that moment can make all the difference. We are seeing that same truth throughout this summer’s World Cup, where a single goal, a perfectly timed pass, or a split-second decision altered the course of a match – and sometimes, history itself. These moments remind us that extraordinary outcomes are rarely the result of one person alone. They are made possible by teams working together, refusing to give up, and rising to meet the moment.

At Build Up Justice NYC, we witness this every day.

A phone call is answered. A tenant keeps their home. A homeowner preserves generational wealth. A small business owner keeps their doors open. A survivor finds safety. A family finds hope because someone stood beside them when it mattered most.

These victories may not make headlines, but they transform lives.

In Fiscal Year 2026, Build Up Justice NYC handled over 6,400 cases – impacting over 11,000 individuals – a 15% increase over the previous year. This growth reflects both the rising need for our services and the trust New Yorkers place in us.

It also reflects the extraordinary commitment of our team.

Throughout the year, our staff worked tirelessly to help clients secure more just outcomes and ensure they stay in their homes and maintain or gain greater economic stability and safety. We also testified at public hearings, partnered with elected officials to advance legislation, hosted educational webinars, and conducted community outreach. Alongside many advocates across the city, we also helped push for a historic rent freeze that will help nearly one million New Yorkers living in rent-stabilized apartments remain more securely housed. These efforts ensured that the voices of the people we serve were heard and that the communities we serve knew that they could count on BUJNYC for trusted legal support.

Today, more than 110 dedicated staff members work every day to ensure that New Yorkers have not only access to justice, but the knowledge, confidence, and support to advocate for themselves and their communities.

As we look ahead, we remain guided by a simple belief: every New Yorker deserves dignity, opportunity, and access to justice.

Championships are often decided by the smallest moments. So, too, are the legal matters that allow New Yorkers to remain safely housed, protect their livelihoods, and build stronger futures. Thank you for helping create those moments every day.

Together, we are building a stronger, more equitable New York City.

Onward,
Jessica Rose
Executive Director