Squat Continues

ANN ARBOR- Last month AGENDA reopened on the seizure and occupation of a vacant house, 337 S. Ashley, by local homeless people and housing activists. The house is still scheduled for demolition in the spring to make way for a new parking lot. But for now the squat will continue, according to Homeless Action Committee-member Earl Uomoto.

Uomoto is one of several squatters who stay at the house despite the hardships of having no running water or central heat. People have shown generosity, said Uomoto, by bringing blankets, warm clothes, and hot food to the house. "One guy stopped in to tell us to send him our first electricity bill!"

In addition to needing a place to live, some people stay at "Day One" (the squatter's name for the house) because they have a common goal of organizing the community to provide affordable housing. "One good thing that's come out of squatting," said Uomoto, "is that we have jelled into a potent force." The residents of Day One have all agreed to devote some time to organizing, and the group is currently setting up a support network of church groups and other housing organizations.