February 16, 2021

With a profound sense of loss and sorrow, the HDFC Coalition reports today the passing of our dear friend, colleague and comrade April G. Tyler.

April Tyler was a devoted mother, daughter, community member and activist, local political leader, advocate for affordable housing and the empowerment of people through home-ownership, and a proud African-American woman who fought tirelessly for what she believed in while inspiring others to do so as well.

April’s knowledge of the issues and her long-standing relationships with elected officials and the public and private sector made her an undisputed leader and irreplaceable member of the HDFC Coalition. She was one of the few people with the strength and abilities to help relaunch the citywide HDFC Coalition following the passing of the late Jordi Reyes-Montblanc, who founded the HDFC Coalition with a group of fellow HDFC activists including April’s mother Sylvia Tyler, who survives her daughter.

April was Co-Chair of the Housing, Land Use and Zoning Committee of Manhattan Community Board 9, had a background in tenant and community organizing, and worked in real estate brokerage in Brooklyn and Upper Manhattan. Ms. Tyler’s experience in affordable housing came from working with the Urban Homesteading Assistance Board, Housing Develop Fund Corporation cooperatives, and conducting graduate research at CUNY. Like thousands of other HDFC shareholders, she invested years of “sweat equity” and her own money to repair and save a damaged, deteriorated apartment with missing windows and converted it into a livable home. A yoga enthusiast, she also studied to be a Foreclosure Prevention Counselor, and served as a volunteer district Leader for West Harlem for 18 years. Ms. Tyler attended City College and Syracuse University.

We also wish to express our condolences to April’s family and friends. No public services have been announced, but we will update as such information becomes available.

April, we are forever indebted to you for the love, the support, the leadership, the laughs and the memories, and we wish you well on the next phase of your journey.

With love,

The HDFC Coalition