So Long, Day One

Two of three city-owned houses at the corner of S. Ashley and W. William, in November 1989 and April 1990, were squatted by the Homeless Action Committee "to stop $10 million in city tax money from being spent to build the "Klines' parking structure rather than housing for the homeless."

On November 5, 1990 City Council voted to demolish "Day One" at 337 S. Ashley, and by January 31 (if weather permits) to move the other two houses to make way for the parking structure. According to Council member Nelson Meade (D-Third Ward), the intention is to turn the houses over to a non-profit corporation that will provide low-income housing.

Says squatter, Helen Cywinski "I can't afford to pay rent. I'm working a part-time job. I feel that we've gained something, that they allowed it to be a low-income house, but I don't think we need the parking structure. The housing is just a drop in the bucket."