Fight for Wesley Tenants' Future

The displaced tenants of 2014, 2018, and 2024 Wesley Ave, in Evanston need your support.

After the city of Evanston stopped inspecting their affordable apartment buildings and allowed the building owners to stop maintaining the buildings, these longtime Evanston tenants were removed from their homes. While some of the tenants have found housing, the many are in the Extended Stay in Skokie and do not have permanent housing secured.

Dear Community Members,

The former tenants of 2014, 2018, and 2024 Wesley are asking for donations to assist with legal fees and other expenses to fight for the Right to Stay in Evanston, in the 5th ward. The situation neighbors are facing represents a deep historical issue in Evanston and across the country. Who is disposable? In this case, it should not come as a shock that Black seniors and families are being displaced.

Many of these neighbors have lived in these buildings for 20-40 years. They have contributed to the very fabric of what makes Evanston great. There are third generation families that have called this home. The former tenants of the Wesley apartment buildings are committed to remaining in Evanston and rebuilding their community.

During the panel of anti-racism activists at the recent YWCA’s Unite Against Racism: Practicing Solidarity and Imagining New Futures event, the message was clear. Tanya Watkins from SOUL said:

"There are senior citizens, Black senior citizens, who are getting put out of their homes. Now I have a sneaking suspicion that if these were white people, the news would be out here. We have to ask ourselves why that is… Can I have a commitment from folks that they will show up to protect those seniors here in Evanston?"

It’s time for action!

Would you be willing to make a contribution to our Justice for Wesley Campaign? A gift of any amount would have a positive impact for these tenants getting legal help and for expenses including transportation back to their neighborhood.

It would also mean a lot if you could share our fundraiser link on social media and wherever else you can. The more exposure we get, the faster we will reach our urgent fundraising goal.

We’d love to connect with you about the work that’s being done in support of the Wesley tenants. Please feel free to contact us on our website at: JusticeForEvanstonTenants.org.

Choose a path of progress.

No work in helping others is too small.

Change can only happen with your help.