Fed Up Residents Establish "Tent City"

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

Enraged over Mayor Fenty’s back flip on promises to provide affordable housing, dozens of DC's Shaw neighborhood residents, homeless activists and community allies – led by ONE DC and Take Back the Land – have established a ‘tent city’ on the corner of 7th and R Streets, NW to draw attention to the human right to housing. “Our stand is one of the people against the industrial greed of a corrupt Mayor,” said one occupant, who spoke on condition of anonymity, “housing should be developed to promote community, not wealth!” Residents of Shaw were promised that the block of land now occupied by the activists, Parcel 42, would be converted into affordable housing. However, residents argue that Mayor Fenty has reneged on his agreement and plans to “convert the space into upscale condominiums, damaging the chances of working people” to qualify for housing. Cavonn Ellis-Smith, an early activist in the settlement, told Union City Wednesday, “This is not just an organization – rather, it is people coming together for people.” DC Jobs with Justice urges the labor community to “stop by to show your support, and bring water or snacks for the campers!” Click here for more information. – report/photo by Joseph Daniels, AFL-CIO Union Summer Intern