At the end of last year, we arrived at our classroom to find the lockpad changed. No notice. No explanation. Just a cold, silent attempt to shut us out.

That space was never just a room. It is where we offer free community classes, where neighbors gather to organize, where immigrant and low-income families in Olneyville can count on finding support. ONA holds this space with grit and care, offering literacy and computer skills classes, citizenship prep, youth support, and even barbering workshops. This is where we meet, learn, and build power together.

Now it’s under attack.

The landlords have already pushed out tenants who weren’t union members. Now they’re coming for those who are. The prospective buyers have stayed silent. This is a test case for unchallenged displacement.

We refuse to let it pass!

ONA’s eviction threatens the right of grassroots initiatives, people of color, and working-class families to remain in the neighborhoods they work, live and fight for. Winning this fight means securing a fair, long-term lease that strengthens our work and sets a powerful example of tenant power in housing and commercial spaces for the entire city.

Here’s how you can take action right now:

Donate so we can hire a lawyer to defend us!
Join our future community meetings to build our next line of defense!
Contact your city councilor and demand they take action!
Volunteer your time to support eviction defense and outreach!

What happens next will set the tone—not just for Atlantic Mills, but for every tenant organizing effort in Providence. Stand with us. Help us fight. Help us win!

Eviction Defense Fund

By Olneyville Neighborhood Association

Eviction Defense Fund

Join ONA’s fight to defend our neighbors, our spaces, and our right to stay in the community

Team Members