News & Actions Archive

What's Wrong with the Attorney Generals' Foreclosure Settlement

As of today, Monday February 13th 2012, City Life/Vida Urbana does not recognize the multi-state Attorney Generals foreclosure bank settlement as a solution to the foreclosure crisis. Download our statement about the settlement. Read More

Rescue HUD from the Evil Side of the Force!

Once up on a time – not long ago but right now!… in a galaxy – not far away but right here on Earth!… there unfolded an epic struggle.

The People’s desire for democracy (the 99%!) has been thwarted by a corporate ruling class, led especially by its financial wing, the emperors of the Wall St. Banks. They are symbolized by the cruel Count Bankula, who tried to disrupt the City Life press conference two days ago.

Reportback from the Home for the Holidays Speak-out and Press Conference

About 50 people joined the Bank Tenant Association press conference at 40 Fowler St., which we occupied Oct. 1. We started the press conference by chasing away Count Bankula, who had arrived to claim our neighborhood. We chased him down Fowler St., trailed by reporters and news cameras.

Why I Got Arrested: City Life member Carolyn Grant’s story of protest during Occupy Boston

City Life member Carolyn Grant talks about why she joined a growing movement of people who refuse to leave their homes after foreclosure. During the Right to the City March to Take Back Boston on September 30, 2011, Carolyn joined 24 others in civil disobedience, and her story was recently published in the Bay State Banner. Read More

CityLife/VidaUrbana Protesters Rally Against Freddie Mac CEO Just Before He Resigns

City Life carried a straightforward message to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on Wednesday: we want to negotiate. “Fannie and Freddie both have offers pending for owners to buy back property, but they refuse to negotiate until those owners are evicted,” said City Life organizer Steve Meacham, “It’s unnecessary punishment.” Read More

Occupy November!

Today, the Northside Bank Tenant Assoc. (the East Boston, Revere, Malden area) will sponsor a rally against Wells Fargo. One of their members is Soeurette Sainto, whose family has been approved for a new mortgage by the non-profit lender, Boston Community Capital. Wells, however, refuses to negotiate until Ms. Sainto is evicted.

Click here to view all Occupy November! events.

For more on the Wells Fargo protest, please click READ MORE below.

Fannie Mae Evicts Malden Resident

Yesterday, Fannie Mae carried out the eviction of Bank Tenant Association member Rose Kyeswa in Malden, Massachusetts, even though Rose has been willing to pay rent and is in the process of negotiating the repurchase of her home. Around 50 community members came out to rally in support of Rose and try to stop the eviction. In spite of unethical behavior on the part of the constable and the Malden police force, Rose and her community stayed strong and are continuing to fight. Produced by Kelly Creedon of We Shall Not Be Moved. Read More

Take Back Boston March & Rally Highlights

City Life/Vida Urbana led a colorful, raucous march of 3,000 people through the streets for Take Back Boston, a mass action by the Right to the City Alliance. Our members carried signs describing their fight against foreclosure, and we were joined by more than 50 organizations, including members of UNITE/HERE picketing at the Hyatt Hotel, and CWA picketing at Verizon Wireless. The march ended at Bank of America’s Massachusetts headquarters, where 24 Boston residents proudly blocked the doors and sat inside of the bank lobby, and refused to leave.

Eviction Blockade for Drusilla Francis and Family Leads to Successful Outcome

Drusilla Francis has lived in her home in Dorchester for more than 20 years, had two foster children, and played an active role in creating community and reducing crime in her neighborhood. Vacancies in her rental units put Drusilla behind on mortgage payments for the first time ever, and she asked US Bank to negotiate repayment. The bank gave her wrong information and delayed correspondence until after they had foreclosed.

KC Bailey’s Court Victory Enables Legal Challenges to Property Seizures

A bank cannot evict you from your home unless it can prove in court that it legally owns your property – this recent ruling by the state’s highest court says you have the right to make them prove it. When Bank of New York tried to evict KC Bailey, a member of City Life/Vida Urbana, he chose to fight his eviction in housing court. His struggle reached the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, which found in his favor, ruling that every tenant and homeowner should have the right to challenge the bank that is trying to take their home away.