We officially own 6 Humphreys Place!

On December 23, we (BNCLT and our community) have become the new owners of 6 Humphreys Place in Upham’s Corner! Just as we turn to longer days, from this day forward, the tenants who have been fighting so hard for years to stay in their homes can stay there for as long as they want—the threat of displacement is forever over!

Words from Denise Turners-Matthews, BNCLT Board member and Co-Director of City Life/Vida Urbana:

6 Humphreys Victory - Proud to Be a Part of It

As a long time member of City Life/Vida Urbana, I’ve seen, first hand, the Story of 6 Humphreys Place. The 6 Humphreys Place victory shows how much heart, grit, creativity, organized power there is in our community. The residents who stayed committed - for 4 years- to fight for their home; their place in their community; their roots. “Just like a tree, standing by the water”; they refused to be moved.The Community Organizers at City Life, and our “Shield” partners at HLAB who have supported the tenants and been true partners in their struggle - for 4 years, have exemplified the “We’ll Fight With You” spirit of our movement. The BNCLT as the newest partner in the fight for 6 Humphreys welcomes the 6 Humphreys residents to the Land Trust; and the movement for long-term affordable housing.

Background on 6 Humphreys Place:

This is a 6-family building in the heart of Upham’s Corner in Dorchester that has been in disrepair for years.  It has flipped between owners in the past few years, driving up the price, and threatening to push out the residents from the building.  It has become a symbol of community pushing back against gentrification.  After a 4-year struggle, the tenants working with City Life/Vida Urban and Harvard Legal Aid Bureau have staved off eviction through rallies and actions, leading to a collective bargain agreement.  The purchase of the property by Boston Neighborhood Community Land Trust now guarantees that this building will be permanently affordable, in the control of the community, and entirely out of reach from unforgiving market forces.  This is truly a community victory, and a glorious model for what can happen when so many people and partners push for what is right and what is just. 

Eric Boyd, 6 Humphreys Tenant:  “Don’t give up or give in, ‘cause when we fight, we win. I’m living proof.”

This is a congratulations and a thank you to all of you who stood in support and solidarity with the 6 Humphreys residents; to Goulston & Storrs, the City of Boston, The Life Initiative and our Anonymous “Last Mile Donor” whose legal and financial support made this possible; and to all of the dozens of people who gave so much of their time to move this struggle to victory.  And most especially, a thank you and a welcome to the 6 Humphreys tenants!