Leaders at the state’s Department for Housing and Urban Development (HUD) gathered in the Bronx Monday to discuss the needs of NYCHA residents. 

Marcia Fudge, the secretary of HUD, met with community members to also discuss President Joe Biden’s Build Back Better Act and how it can help. 

Fudge also toured the Patterson Houses in the Bronx, alongside Rep. Ritchie Torres. 

Residents spoke about mold, lack of hot water, rats and slow responses to complaints or service requests. 

Fudge says that after hearing from NYCHA officials and residents, there is a lot of work that needs to be done, but that it can’t happen overnight. 

The secretary says $65 billion of the president’s package will go towards public housing.