FRESC, the organization that has spoken up for low-wage Colorado workers and their families for 15 years, has a new name: United for a New Economy.

“Led by people of color and others left behind in our economy, UNE is committed to build the people power needed to create a new economy that works for everyone,” the organization states.

UNE harnesses the collective power of families, young people, workers, seniors, unions, immigrants, communities of color, refugees and faith leaders to work on local, state and national policies that affect lower-income people.

“Even though Colorado’s skyline is dotted with cranes building new, luxury apartments and the headlines trumpet the state’s business growth, too many of our neighbors are slipping further behind, stuck in low wage jobs and unable to afford rent,” said Felicia Griffin, UNE’s executive director, said in a statement. “We have a vision for strong, vibrant and thriving communities where everyone can find a good job and affordable housing in a safe neighborhood.”

UNE also provided a statement from Inez Martinez, a “UNE leader and Westminster resident.”

“When my rent for a one-bedroom apartment saturated with black mold doubled, I had to sell our furniture and visit food banks to feed myself and my daughter. That’s just not right. With UNE I started testifying at city council sessions and rallied my neighbors to push for a new Westminster housing trust fund. Now that we’ve built the people power needed to make change, we’re working on a renter’s bill of rights so no one is forced to live in unsafe housing.”

UNE will continue to harness policy research and advocacy to “ensure housing is affordable, safe and accessible, good jobs with benefits are added to the economy and that community members have a voice in the decisions that impact them,” it stated.

“UNE is building an all-important movement of people power to ensure that no one is left behind,” Griffin said. “Community members are completely in charge of our campaigns, from identifying the goals and planning the strategy to implementing the tactics. We are of the people, by the people and for the people.”