About Us
The Easthampton Tenants Union is a city-wide organization of renters working together for safe, stable, and dignified housing. We believe that when tenants organize, we can hold landlords accountable and keep our communities strong.
Our slogan, Defend the Neighborhood, reflects our commitment to protecting the people and places that make Easthampton home.
The Easthampton Tenants Union was formed to build solidarity among renters and others in the community in response to unreasonable rent hikes and poor management by landlords and property owners.
We provide support, encouragement, resources, referrals, and expertise. We help individual tenant groups organize direct actions. We collaborate with city government and have allies at the state level.
Our mission is to empower people to stand up for their legal rights and foster solidarity across the city of Easthampton and the surrounding community.
Our vision – We know that housing is a human right. We endorse prioritizing people over profit. We believe another world is possible where everyone has a safe, affordable place to live.
Everything we do contributes to making that world a reality.
Our defining values
Resiliency
By developing networks and systems of mutual support and defense, we can adapt to changes and be prepared for challenges with flexibility and resiliency.
Inclusivity
By respecting our neighbors and accepting our differences, we can strengthen the community for everyone. The basis of inclusivity is unity, not uniformity.
Solidarity
By consistently working together in solidarity with a commitment to serving the greater good, we can have significant leverage to catalyze change.
Equity
By encouraging a leader-full organization with everyone on an equal footing, we can promote equity among members and throughout the community.
Self-determination
By providing education and empowering people to stand up for their rights as residents of Massachusetts, we can foster housing self-determination.
What guides us
Consensus decision-making
Everyone’s voice counts.
Transparency
Trust depends on open sharing of organizational operations.
Political imagination
Changing the status quo requires pushing boundaries.
Communication & outreach
Knowledge is power, and education is key.
