Natasha Khazzam
Staff Reporter
natasha.khazzam@yale.edu
Natasha Khazzam covers housing and homelessness for city desk. She previously covered climate and the environment. Originally from Great Neck, New York, she is a sophomore in Davenport College majoring in history and English.
Author Archive
NATASHA KHAZZAM
Homelessness activist Arthur Taylor killed at 71, impact on Elm City lives on

Taylor died on April 1 after tragically being hit by a car on I-91. His activism with U-ACT, or the Unhoused Activists Community Team, is remembered by coworkers and city residents.

April 16, 2024

NATASHA KHAZZAM
Are ‘tiny homes’ a long-term solution to homelessness in New Haven?

While activists highlight the benefits of these emergency structures, city officials remain wary of “tiny homes” as a lasting solution.

April 15, 2024

YURII STASIUK & NATASHA KHAZZAM
Former mayoral challenger Liam Brennan contracted by city to reimagine Livable City Initiative

Brennan will begin work as a consultant for LCI in late April, advising the department’s restructuring.

April 12, 2024

NATASHA KHAZZAM
Ocean Management’s unusual property transfers may be defrauding tenants

Coupled with Ocean’s history of housing code violations and tenant complaints, public records suggest that the mega-landlord may be conducting fraudulent property transfers to avoid liability to tenants.

April 2, 2024

MIA CORTÉS CASTRO, NATASHA KHAZZAM & YURII STASIUK
Proposed budget rethinks city housing programs

If approved, the new proposed budget will restructure the Livable City Initiative, creating an Office of Housing and Community Development and expanding staff for both programs.

March 8, 2024

NATASHA KHAZZAM
City’s fifth tenants union forms in response to burst pipe

The Emerson Tenants Union registered with the city on Friday morning, becoming the city’s first to organize against a small landlord.

February 27, 2024

MAIA NEHME & NATASHA KHAZZAM
Warming centers reach capacity as temperatures drop

In response to Tuesday’s winter storm, the city’s warming centers underwent emergency protocols to accommodate people beyond capacity constraints. Existing constraints have prompted efforts for new construction and advocacy by local nonprofits.

February 20, 2024

NATASHA KHAZZAM & MAGGIE GRETHER
Lenox Street Tenants Union demands landlord enter negotiations 

Union members and activists gathered outside the office of Ocean Management with a petition alleging landlord neglect.

February 7, 2024

NATASHA KHAZZAM & KENISHA MAHAJAN
Black Heritage Stamp honors New Havener Constance Baker Motley

The city held an unveiling ceremony of the stamp on Thursday evening at the Dixwell Community Center, featuring several speakers who honored Motley’s legacy as a trailblazing politician and prominent leader of the Civil Rights Movement.

February 4, 2024

NATASHA KHAZZAM
Construction trends show city efforts to revitalize waterfronts

Several waterside developments, including construction at Long Wharf along with new cycling trails and housing complexes, underscore broader city efforts to revive the city’s waterfronts.

February 1, 2024

NATASHA KHAZZAM
Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen to expand

Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen announced plans to expand its 266 State St. location. Renovations will include the addition of a new kitchen and medical clinic to the four-story building.

January 24, 2024