Tenant, Face Of Affordable Housing Redev, Faces Eviction Lawsuit

Reginald Blakey, who was featured in a mayor's video celebrating the opening of his new apartment, is now fighting an eviction case.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Reginald Blakey, a formerly homeless tenant who was featured in a mayor's video celebrating the opening of his new affordable apartment, is now facing an eviction lawsuit from his landlord. The landlord has filed a total of 22 eviction lawsuits against tenants at the Curtis Cofield II Estates complex, including formerly homeless renters like Blakey. Blakey says he fell behind on rent after losing his job due to an injury, but is working to catch up on payments with the help of community groups.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges faced by formerly homeless individuals who are trying to get back on their feet, even after securing affordable housing. It raises questions about the sustainability of affordable housing developments and the need for stronger tenant protections and support services to help vulnerable residents maintain their housing.

The details

Blakey, 63, lives in a townhouse-style apartment at the Curtis Cofield II Estates, a 56-unit affordable housing complex in New Haven. The complex is owned by an affiliate of the New York-based affordable housing developer NHP Foundation and managed by Massachusetts-based HallKeen Management. Since December, the landlord has filed a total of 22 eviction lawsuits against tenants, including formerly homeless renters like Blakey. The landlord has alleged that these tenants have not paid rent, though some tenants have claimed that their nonpayment was due to miscommunication with the landlord and frequent turnover of property managers.

  • Blakey moved into his apartment at Curtis Cofield II Estates in June 2025.
  • Blakey lost his job at FedEx due to an injury in October 2025.
  • The landlord has filed a total of 22 eviction lawsuits against tenants since December 2025.
  • Blakey's eviction case is scheduled for a trial on February 26, 2026.

The players

Reginald Blakey

A 63-year-old formerly homeless tenant who now lives in a two-bedroom apartment at the Curtis Cofield II Estates affordable housing complex.

Justin Elicker

The mayor of New Haven, who featured Blakey in an Instagram video celebrating the opening of the Curtis Cofield II Estates.

NHP Foundation

The New York-based affordable housing developer that owns the Curtis Cofield II Estates.

HallKeen Management

The Massachusetts-based property management company that manages the Curtis Cofield II Estates.

Shelley White

An attorney with the New Haven Legal Assistance Association who has encountered formerly homeless tenants facing eviction lawsuits at the Curtis Cofield II Estates.

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What they’re saying

“What's really important and inspiring is that it's 56 affordable apartments, including a really large percentage of deeply affordable and supportive housing to help folks that are struggling with homelessness.”

— Justin Elicker, Mayor (Instagram)

“These are people who live paycheck to paycheck, crisis to crisis. By definition, these recently homeless renters have found themselves in such unstable housing conditions that 'they can't really predict' what their income might be, or what crisis might be around the corner.”

— Shelley White, Attorney, New Haven Legal Assistance Association (New Haven Independent)

“I'm grateful to be back on my feet, not sleeping in my car, not sleeping in the side of the [train] station. I can't let depression sink in. I don't want to go on meds. I try not to think about my condition. I pray a lot [and] I try not to get upset.”

— Reginald Blakey (New Haven Independent)

What’s next

The judge in Blakey's eviction case will decide on February 26, 2026 whether or not to allow him to remain in his apartment.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by formerly homeless individuals who are trying to maintain affordable housing, even after securing a place to live. It underscores the need for stronger tenant protections and support services to help vulnerable residents stay in their homes and avoid falling back into homelessness.