In July 2015, a fire at 56 Vine Street displaced 32 residents from their subsidized apartments in Hartford. They were temporarily moved to an unsanitary motel with no facilities for meal preparation. Due to inadequate security by the landlord, their apartments were looted. Despite having a legal obligation, the City of Hartford failed to provide adequate relocation services including temporary housing.
The Center for Leadership and Justice (CLJ) organized the affected residents, who held meetings and press conferences. Their efforts not only secured relocation benefits but also led to a successful class action lawsuit with Greater Hartford Legal Aid, resulting in a $2.75 million settlement for the residents who were denied these benefits during the past 10 years.
