Dear Supporters, 

Thank you to everyone who has signed my petition and shared their support. We have now reached fifty-four signatures, and I am deeply grateful for your commitment to seeking justice. However, the fight is far from over. The Springfield Housing Authority and other responsible entities continue to ignore the voices of tenants like me, and I need your help to keep pushing for change. 

During my experience with SHA, I faced significant obstacles, including harassment, retaliation, and unsafe living conditions. Despite overwhelming evidence proving my case, there has been little accountability or action from the officials who are supposed to protect tenants' rights. 

In 2021, the housing authority took pictures of my home in an attempt to blame me for a bedbug infestation that was entirely their responsibility. Instead of addressing the issue, they tried to use these photos against me as false evidence of untidy living conditions, violating my rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). They continue to twist the facts, and this manipulation of the truth cannot go unchallenged. 

Additionally, I have sent multiple requests to local officials, including State Rep. Bud Williams and State Senator Adam Gomez, both of whom serve on civil rights committees, yet neither has responded to my concerns. I also sent letters to the city council subcommittees relevant to this issue and heard from Councilor Tracye Whitfield, who also serves on a civil rights committee, last month. She promised to get back to us, but so far, there has been no further response. 

This lack of accountability from elected officials, especially those tasked with civil rights oversight, is unacceptable. The silence is deafening, and it’s clear that some of these officials are unwilling to take action on behalf of the people they serve. 
But this is not the end. 

I am continuing to explore every available avenue to ensure justice is served and to hold those responsible accountable. 

This petition isn’t just about one person—it’s about everyone who has ever been silenced by a system that favors the powerful over the vulnerable. It’s about standing up to those who think they can mistreat tenants without consequences. The more support we gather, the stronger our message becomes. 

We are making real progress, but we need your continued support to push this forward. Please share this petition with your friends, family, and community. 
Together, we can demand the justice that all tenants deserve. 
Thank you again for your commitment to this fight! 

Let’s make sure our voices are heard. 
 
Sincerely, 

Br. Richard Mills