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‘Progressive’ City Council abuses vulnerable persons—and free speech
This could be the big one
East Cambridge Property
CCURE initiative petition 1999
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After twenty years, Eviction Free Zone closes the office
The Norfolk Street office of the Cambridge Eviction Free Zone (EFZ) closed for good in December.
EFZ at a rally in Boston [EFZ photo ©2003 Nancy Hall]
After almost twenty years of activity, EFZ simply ran out of money and energy—at least for now.
Friends and members were called to a series of crisis meetings last fall after the group failed to secure any foundation grants for the coming year. Without grants, membership dues would not cover the rent or other expenses.
Few wanted to see the organization fold, but no one had any idea how to prevent it.
As a result EFZ has gone dormant. Its website is still up. Activists plan a fundraiser in the spring; there is some hope of a revival, perhaps on a new basis.
The Eviction Free Zone started in 1989 as a joint project of several organizations and agencies focused on defending lower income tenants from displacement in neighborhoods near Central Square. It quickly turned into a distinct citywide organization with the same mission.
After rent control ended in 1995, EFZ was soon the only tenant organizing group remaining in Cambridge. It succeeded in saving homes of lower income tenants and increasing the City’s financial commitment to affordable housing.
During its first ten years EFZ operated out of the offices of CEOC. Since 1998 it has operated as an independent non-profit, funded by its members and contributions from private donors and foundations. The EFZ website is still found at
www.evictionfreezone.org/
after twenty years Eviction Free Zone closes office
Photo by Nancy Hall of the Eviction Free Zone (copyright N. Hall)