Mauá community faces eviction

Earlier this week we received happy news that a proposed eviction of 2,000 people in Sao Paulo had been postponed and that the local authorities were looking into secure longer-term housing for these families. This good news came after CAFOD supporters signed a petition fighting for the eviction order to be overturned.

We have now heard from our partners working with the Mauá community thata new, unexpected judiciary decision taken this week means that these families are once again facing being thrown out onto the streets of São Paulo.This means that your support for our campaign and petition are now more important than ever.

Your support is now more important than ever

The families are holding a series of emergency meetings to consider how to respond and decide their next steps.

Osmar Borges, a coordinator from our São Paulo partner APOIO, said, “We have now one more month to work to try and prevent a dire situation facing these homeless families. Such is our struggle: one round finishes and a new one comes up. More than ever, we need to work hard to involve the public authorities and the government so they can take action urgently. They have the power to overturn this decision.

“We need to hold the government to account so they will deliver on their promises and provide the agreed solutions for these homeless families now. It will be very important now to strengthen our work to mobilise public opinion, campaign and engaging government over the next month, particularly in this electoral period. CAFOD’s petition and international support is essential to us. It gives us strength, it shows we are not alone, and that the plight of the families has huge support.”

Emily Mulville, our Brazil Programme Officer said, "The struggle of homeless families in São Paulo is enormous, but not fighting is not an option when you are seeking justice. This is only a setback, it is not defeat. CAFOD will continue to stand by our partner and these families in their quest to bring about major social change ensuring the poorest people are able to live and raise their children close to where jobs, schools and hospitals are located.”

Stay up to date with developments on the Connect2 blog>>

Next steps

The situation for the Connect2 families living in the disused Maua hotel in São Paulo continues to be very tense and uncertain.

We are in close communication with our partner and will continue to support the families in these difficult times. We will update the website and the Connect2 blog where you can leave messages of solidarity and prayers for the people of Mauá.