By Gaelan Bickford-Gewarter On a rainy evening in August, a large crowd filled the hall of the University Presbyterian Church at Driftwood Ave., and Finch Ave., W. People from all across the community had come out and were chatting amongst themselves until the buzz in the room was suddenly broken by a single passionate voice. "We are here tonight because our homes are infested with bugs and the walls are crumbling around us. The heat doesn't work in the winter and our children are living in unhealthy conditions,” Called out Mercy Osagie. “The landlord is there to collect our rent on the first of the month but we're waiting forever for basic repairs. We're coming together tonight because enough is enough! We demand change now!" Osagie was on her feet as she finished her fiery call to arms and the audience responded with thunderous applause. Osagie was subsequently elected Chair of Jane and Finch ACORN, the local chapter of a nationwide organization of low and moderate income people coming together to fight for change. The chapter is made up of people who live in buildings just like Osagie's and recognize that the only way change happens is when people stand up and fight back with the power of numbers. The re-lauch of the Jane-Finch ACORN chapter started off with a bang as members living in 4500 Jane St., frustrated with the bad conditions and high rents, took to the streets and demonstrated right outside the property manager's office calling for immediate repairs and a rent freeze. One of these people, a woman named Maize Blanchard, has been an active community leader for decades and a long-time member of ACORN. Blanchard was critical to the success of the campaign as she worked tirelessly, knocking on her neighbours' doors, documenting violations, and bringing people together to make change. ACORN's commitment to action is really what sets the organization apart and makes real change possible. After three invited landlords failed to show up to the big meeting that re-launched the chapter, members decided to march on their property management offices to make sure they got the message. The march was a huge success because after the marchers delivered letters to these property managers all three agreed to meet with the chapter. Negotiations are ongoing, but marginalized families now have a seat at the table. ACORN members get involved and fight for change because they believe that healthy homes are a right regardless of whether you live in Rosedale or Jane and Finch. They know that raising a family is hard enough without having to worry about broken heaters in the dead of winter or making dinner on a broken stove surrounded by mould and cockroaches. They believe that good jobs should be available in their communities and that those jobs pay a decent, livable wage to break the cycle of working poverty. And they believe that basic products and services should be affordable for all, from internet to car insurance and childcare. If you are interested in getting involved in ACORN, please give us a call at 416-461-9233