Support tenants and tenant organizing in Putnam CT

As Katy’s friend and sister-in-law, I’m helping Katy with setting up this fundraiser because she’s been working incredibly hard as a tenant organizer for her family and neighbors and they could really use some financial help.

Here’s a description from Katy:

After uncovering widespread exposure to toxic levels of lead, members of the Cargill Tenants Union are facing eviction. The landlord, Leanne Parker of Historic Cargill Falls Mill LLC, served Notices to Quit to 17 tenant—including four children. These tenants voted to go on rent strike last month over rotting structures, lead exposure, mold, and chronic moisture.

The landlord immediately retaliates with notices that begin a deadline to quit tenancy by the end of February—at which point we may be brought to court for eviction proceedings. Among the tenants targeted are local public school teachers, students, a family with a newborn baby, and other local workers. Parker has a history of forced displacement of Putnam residents, and constantly evades public accountability. Now that her tenants have organized a union, they are fighting back.

The Cargill Tenants Union is securing pro-bono representation for its members, but needs community support for this historic militant action. Direct donations to affected tenants would provide a small financial cushion in the event of: 1) relocation 2) unexpected legal costs/fees 3) missed work for court dates 4) related travel. I’m a full-time organizer, and I’m one of the tenants targeted with eviction. Funds will also be able to subsidize my time doing eviction defense during the next crucial weeks, with member approval, and can purchase supplies for the upcoming rally.