Stay Put Networks

Displacement happens one family at a time. Coordinate resistance so no one faces it alone.

Pressure addressed: displacement

Time: Can establish quickly, ongoing operation

People: Residents facing displacement, supporters, volunteers

Resources: Communication channels, volunteer coordinators, resource lists

About this tool

Displacement is designed to feel individual. Your rent went up. Your landlord is selling. Your building is being 'redeveloped.' It seems like your personal problem. It's not. It's systematic. And the response needs to be collective.

How to do it

  1. Map who's at risk

    Which households are most vulnerable to displacement? Renters, those on fixed incomes, those in buildings being sold.

  2. Build communication channels

    How do people report threats? How do you coordinate response? Phone trees, WhatsApp groups, whatever works.

  3. Compile resources

    Legal aid contacts. Tenant rights information. Financial assistance sources. Emergency housing. Have the list ready.

  4. Create rapid response capacity

    When someone faces eviction, who shows up? Physical presence, legal support, media attention. Make displacement visible.

  5. Share information proactively

    Many people don't know their rights until it's too late. Regular education about tenant protections, warning signs, options.

Before you start

  • Communication infrastructure
  • Legal resource connections
  • Volunteer capacity

Implementation guidance

Starting point

  • Comprehensive mapping of at-risk households
  • Rapid response activated within hours of threat
  • Legal support connections ready
  • Track record of prevented displacements
  • Proactive outreach to vulnerable residents
  • Connection to broader housing movement

Building on it

  • Communication channels established
  • Some rapid response capacity
  • Basic resource list available

Advanced practice

  • Network exists on paper only
  • Response too slow to help
  • No legal connections

Networks that can't actually respond when needed create false security. Families think help is coming when it isn't. Slow response arrives after eviction is fait accompli. Without legal connections, response is just moral support while displacement proceeds.

Examples

London Renters Union

Tenant organising and eviction resistance across London

Multiple evictions prevented through collective action and legal support

Source

Further resources