#nocovidevictions

[stopyevictions]

Another Death at YWCA: This time a trans woman -- likely committed suicide for being evicted

Protest Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1233135117113006 Yet another death at the YWCA, which has offered no transparency or accountability. Tenants have pieced together: - She was a trans woman living in abject poverty - She was fearful of staff and facing mental health challenges without adequate support - In all likelihood was being evicted and committed suicide This is a long-running pattern of the YWCA choosing relentless evictions (eclipsing even some corporate landlords), instead of providing safe housing and support for its tenants, while also advertising itself as a social justice oriented housing provider. The YWCA is planning a "memorial" for tenants to attend, which many of us find offensive, since we hold them accountable for being complicit in these very frequent deaths. It is emotionally difficult for us to see the same body that we perceive as responsible for deaths, then turn around and cover their ass by organizing these events. We understand that this as a form of systemic abuse. The details of the protest are yet to be announced, but we have an uphill battle in protecting tenants, while also organizing a protest. Most tenants at YWCA are marginalized women and trans folks of color, indigenous folks, and/or escaping homelessness and violence. Staff violence and retaliation are well-known in the building, so we may ask allies to step in to protect tenants from staff reprisal. Please message us if you're able to come or support in any capacity. Tuesday Aug 31st 2pm YWCA Elm Centre 150 Elizabeth Street Toronto Ontario M5G 0B1

[samanthalauzon]

Hey @cityofto this is absolutely NOT OK! #NoCovidEvictions (at Laval-des-Rapides) https://www.instagram.com/p/CHYOorCjs3y/?igshid=y6t265geqe66

[nealrockwell]

Demonstration against evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Queens Park and Landlord Tenant Board, Toronto, ON.

[stopyevictions]

About Us

We are a group of organized tenants living at YWCA Toronto fighting against evictions!

#NoYWCAEvictions #NoCOVIDEvictions #HoldYWCAAccountable

[nealrockwell]

I spoke with Charles in the summer. At the time he was suffering from health issues that made it difficult for him to walk. He lives in Parkdale’s West Lodge apartments owned by Halzelview Properties (formerly Timbercreek Asset Management), a financialized landlord. During the first COVID lockdown he fell behind on his rent in order to afford food. Then he joined the Keep Your Rent movement and began organizing with other tenants in his building and neighborhood. He mentioned that his landlord provides poor maintenance and often bothers tenants with loud and frequent construction noise, something he believes they do to encourage low income tenants to move out, in hopes of one day repositioning the building to be more attractive to professionals and other higher income renters. A number of people in the West Lodge buildings have outstanding rent payments because of COVID and are potentially facing eviction. Charles said that if he was forced from his home he would have nowhere to go, and worried about how he would survive with his health concerns. #nocovidevictions #rentforgiveness #cancelrent #parkdale #toronto #ontario #pandemic #ltb #documentaryphotography #portraitphotography #covid_19

[nealrockwell]

Yesterday housing activists marched to Toronto mayor John Tory’s condo to protest bill 184 which will speed up evictions once the COVID-19 moratorium is lifted. Many tenants are worried because pandemic related economic issues mean they will owe a huge debt in back rents as well as being forced to make their already exorbitant monthly payments. The protest saw a heavy police presence. Several people were pepper sprayed, 3 or 4 were arrested by police but let go as protesters promised to leave peaceful if they were released without charges. One officer was present with a rubber bullet rifle which was not used. #nocovidevictions #keepyourent #nobill184 #covid_19 #rentcrisis #toronto #ontario #johntory #mayor #bill184 #documentaryphotography #documentary

[nealrockwell]

Yesterday housing activists marched to Toronto mayor John Tory’s condo to protest bill 184 which will speed up evictions once the COVID-19 moratorium is lifted. Many tenants are worried because pandemic related economic issues mean they will owe a huge debt in back rents as well as being forced to make their already exorbitant monthly payments. The protest saw a heavy police presence. Several people were pepper sprayed, 3 or 4 were arrested by police but let go as protesters promised to leave peaceful if they were released without charges. One officer was present with a rubber bullet rifle which was not used. #nocovidevictions #keepyourent #nobill184 #covid_19 #rentcrisis #toronto #ontario #johntory #mayor #bill184 #documentaryphotography #documentary