Like Elza Soares, Vera was born into extreme poverty, overcoming multiple family tragedies and adversity. But unlike Elza, who, because of racism was once denied entry into this very same building, Vera will enter. And with the keys to stay. Following 10 years of campaigning, Hotel Lord was placed under compulsory purchase and following a public bidding process, the families’ won a public contract to turn it into housing for low-income families. Throughout this process CAFOD partner Semeando tirelessly supported the families to overcome the eviction threats, inevitable moments of disunity, lack of public funding, onerous bureaucracy and unfavourable legal decisions - all of which threatened the families’ claim on the building.
Vera tells me that her new two-bedroom apartment is the most beautiful thing that God has ever given her. The apartment is bright, freshly painted, spacious and equipped with a kitchen, shower and laundry area. The building’s modernisations include an accessible lift, children’s playground, and on the top floor, a community room looking onto one of the city’s most iconic views. Instead of paying rent, the families of Elza Soares building will pay instalments on 10% of the value of the property over 10 years, calculated for individual affordability.
