FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 31, 2007

HOUSING ACTION
WOMEN AGAINST POVERTY TAKE OVER ABANDONED BUILDING

Toronto - Low income women are forced to raise their children in unsafe neighbourhoods where apartments are often overcrowded, in need of major repairs, and vermin infested. Poverty, lack of housing and fear of losing their children to child protection agencies are among the biggest concerns of women living with violence who want to leave.
The Women Against Poverty Collective (WPAC) is holding a rally, march and housing takeover in downtown Toronto on Sunday, June 3rd. “We have learned through history that sometimes we don’t get anything unless we struggle and demand to get it.” says Anna Willats of WAPC. “On June 3rd we will create our own housing. Housing that is controlled by us, for us, that is safe and accessible.” Willats went on to say that the building being taken over on Sunday is one of hundreds of buildings that are sitting empty and unused for years in this city.

Abused women’s shelters designed to house women and their children for a few weeks are now sheltering women for months because they can’t find a place to move to. Many women and girls who are living on the streets experience sexual and physical abuse. The early death rate for homeless women is ten times that of women who are housed. “Too many women and children have suffered from violence and neglect. Safe affordable housing is a human right, and it’s our right to demand it,” says WAPC member and violence survivor Josephine Grey.

WHAT: March, Rally and Takeover of Abandoned Building
WHEN: Sunday, June 3rd, 12 Noon
WHERE: Cawthra Park (Just north of 519 Church Street)
WHO: Women Against Poverty Collective (WAPC)

The Women Against Poverty Collective is a group of women and trans people who are working together to advocate for safe, affordable and accessible housing for women experiencing violence.
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For more information:
Anna Willats, 416-417-8962 (cell); Josephine Grey, 416-827-7119 (cell)
www.womenagainstpovertycollective.org