This fall an important and valued member of our building's community, René, was taken by ICE as he was walking to work in Columbia Heights around 6:30 am. René worked as a porter in Tivoli Gardens and has consistently been a friendly and familiar face for all residents as he worked two jobs to support his mother.

This was a clear act of racial profiling, and this senseless act of state violence has completely upended the life of a man who has spent almost two decades, the majority of his life, in this country. He worked tireless in the early morning to make an 80-year old building feel new, and his smile and personality brightened residents' days. His absence is felt keenly and we are hoping to help him and his family navigate these next few months in whatever way we can.

René is currently in El Salvador, and we are raising money to help his mother with rent, groceries, and logistics as she works to join him in 2026. Please join us in helping to bring this family back together in the new year.