Meet the Residents

Three Generations of UC Townhomes Women organizing the fight for our homes.

"We are a community of single moms, retired grandmas, young girls with bright futures. For the past 11 months we have lived in limbo..."

Amidst a GLOBAL PANDEMIC AND NATIONAL HOUSING CRISIS, our corporate landlord Altman Management announced he would be terminating his federally subsidized housing contract on July 8th, 2022 -- recently extended to September 2022

He plans to demolish our 70-unit site and EVICT HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE from their homes at 3900 Market Street in West Philly, just down the street from the gentrifying goliaths University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University.

"We have written letters, marched in the streets, travelled to HUD offices in DC, spoken out against the local politicians who have failed us, and joined with others around the city facing IMMINENT DISPLACEMENT."

The residents' "snackmom"remembers when the UC Townhomes were being built. As she passes out fliers in the neighborhood, she recognizes many young people, now grown, who were her former students.

Ms. Lyles, whose turquoise tattoos honor her Native American heritage, she pushes her walker to the market down the street to buy water and fruit for community gatherings.

Ms Lynn, who used to keep to herself, delivered a speech to a crowd of hundreds about the importance of being treated with dignity.

"Some of us are disabled and elderly, some have plans to return to community college, or currently work multiple jobs to make ends meet. We do good works."

With fellow residents we formed a Tenant Council and meet weekly to plan the next Save the UC Townhomes action, work with many supporters who have connected with us. We share laughter and stories. We care for each other, fight for our children, for what is right -- through the fire, through whatever, to the limit. We practice resilience.

Save the People's Townhomes!