Friends,
I have an important update on the progress of our campaign to stop our neighbours from being made homeless.
1. Boarding House closure
On the afternoon of December 19, one of the developer’s henchmen dumped 28 letters on the rear table of one of the boarding houses that reconfirmed to the men that the developer will be closing the boarding houses on February 1, 2025. The letter told them they need to vacate by that date.
What the letter failed to tell them is that the City of Sydney gained a legally enforceable agreement from the developer that they will keep the houses open until such time as all residents have been found safe and suitable alternative housing. That could (and is likely to) take months.
This is just another gutless low act from LFD Homes. Using half-truths and misinformation to deliberately and unnecessarily target our vulnerable neighbours. To increase their stress and anxiety. On the cusp of Christmas, and at a time when the men simply need a break. Like all of us.
It’s absolutely appalling.
2. The City and State Governments’ offer to buy LFD Homes out
Has gone unanswered. Despite the significant backlash from the community and the Governments, LFD Homes still thinks it’s OK to proceed with this development and put our mates onto the street and into social housing queues that go around the block.
We have again called for the State to make a compulsory acquisition if the developer remains unprepared to sell.
3. Finding new homes as a back-up plan
Despite the best efforts of the teams from NNC and Homes NSW, 1 suitable home has been found for 1 of the residents in the 12 or so weeks since they were engaged. That simply underlines the fact that there is precious little safe and secure housing in the city. Trust me, they are working hard and have been a positive force for the men. There is just no alternative housing out there.
4. Press coverage
Holly Tregenza and Keana Naughton again wrote and shot a powerful piece on ABC online this week. The story can be found here. The men and our community are deeply thankful for their, and our press partners', continued coverage of this incredibly desperate situation.
5. Visit by Allegra Spender and Alex Greenwich
Allegra and Alex visited the men on December 13 to hear first-hand from them about impact on their lives of the closure. Both Alex and Allegra have been strong voices and advocates for the men and we again thank them for their ongoing support.
6. What’s next
We continue to support the men while at the same time fighting to keep them in their homes. The battle is far from over and our community’s resolve is only hardened by LFD Homes’ ongoing brutal treatment of our neighbours.
IT IS TIME THIS IS STOPPED.
7. The petition continues to grow
Today, our petition has been:
· Signed by 18,000+ supporters
· Viewed by more than 220,000 people
· Shared ~2,800 times
· Promoted by ~520 of you
· Funded by ~ $10,000
Our neighbours and our team thank you again for your fantastic support.
Please share this update if you can.
Best wishes,
Mike