As the housing crisis continues, unhoused residents in Newfoundland have organized and maintained Tent City for Change (TC4C) St. John’s behind the colonial building to advocate for safe and affordable access to long-term housing.
This is an important time to support our unhoused comrades. A few members of the Anti-Racism Coalition NL, the SJC, and the 2SLGBTQ+ Mutual Aid Pod, along with dedicated TC4C volunteers, neighbours, and advocates have been connecting with TC4C Resident Protestors to stay up to date on how to best support them while living rough.
The 2SLGBTQ+ Mutual Aid Pod, with guidance and support from members of the Anti-Racism Coalition NL and other relevant community organizations and advocates, has launched a solidarity fund to support the Resident Protestors at TC4C. These funds are being held in trust by the Social Justice Co-op and are being used to provide things for harm reduction like cigarettes, cannabis, and small amounts of alcohol (as these are direly needed and rare to access through traditional non-profits), groceries and meal supplements as needed, winter/survival gear (heaters and propane, winter jackets, snow pants, hats, mittens, blankets, etc.), phones and prepaid SIM cards, and other items requested directly by TC4C Resident Protestors. Additionally, these funds are being used on occasion to help set up past TC4C Resident Protestors as they get housing by purchasing small household items, helping stock their fridges and pantries, and maintaining their phone minutes so they can stay connected to vital community supports and their friends and family. If you would like more details about how these donated funds are being spent, please reach out to the SJC or directly to TC4C via social media or at [email protected].
Members on the ground have cautioned that it is not a good idea to show up unannounced with donations. A rush of donated items can overfill the need and can end up needing to be redistributed or disposed of (in cases of food spoilage) by Resident Protestors, inadvertently adding to their burden instead of alleviating it. .
Every little bit helps! Thank you to all who contribute!