Standing Against Unlawful Eviction: Help Us Fight Back

Hello,

I’m writing to shed more light on an unjust situation that my child and I are currently facing. We live in income-based HUD housing in Rochester, NY, at a complex managed by Conifer Realty LLC, a company that has been coming into the spotlight for its corrupt and unfair treatment of residents.

Since spring of 2024, I have watched one neighboring family after another move out in a hurry and in distress, overburdening the elevators in our 17-floor building. It reminds me of when my own mother was targeted by Conifer in 2021 and had to move out fast from another building they operate. Now it may be my turn:

Recently, I received an eviction notice claiming I owe $3,220 in back rent. The housing office is attempting to use a child support settlement I received years ago—when my child was less than a year old—as income to inflate what they say I owe. This settlement was never part of my regular income, and this tactic is a clear violation of fair housing practices. Conifer Realty is attempting to hold me accountable for rent that was never legally or ethically due.

The notice is dated October 2nd, but I wasn’t served until October 8th, leaving me just a week—until October 16th—to either pay this unjust amount or face eviction. This is part of a broader pattern of predatory behavior by Conifer Realty that many residents here have experienced, and it’s time to push back.

As a mother, I am devoted to standing up for my now preschooler, the people in our community, and our right to safe, affordable housing. But I need your help to resist corrupt practices. I’m raising the $3,220 as a safety plan to cover this sudden order by Conifer -- whether that means paying the unjust amount to avoid eviction or using it to move to a healthier, more stable housing situation if a better opportunity arises.

I know our resources through the Department of Social Services and the Eviction Diversion Resources Center at the Hall of Justice are in high demand and may not be fast enough, and so I thank you for your urgent support.

Your support is not just about helping us—it’s about standing up to a housing system that routinely exploits low-income families. Any contribution will help us hold Conifer Realty accountable for their actions and ensure families like mine are treated with the dignity and fairness all human beings deserve.

Thank you for standing with us for social justice and a more humane and ethical housing system.