Housing is a human right. The slumlord neglect we are seeing at Franklin Manor is the result of housing being treated as a commodity. 80 tenants--many of whom are immigrant families and essential workers--are being forced out of their homes by the Borough of West Reading on Tuesday, Feb. 16th. Their absentee slumlord, PF Holdings, has allowed the building's water system to fall into complete disrepair, endangering these families. Local government officials like Nicholas Imbesi have allowed this problem to fester, and now they are pushing their constituents out into the cold without a proper plan to rehouse them. If can use the police to rapidly evict these tenants during a pandemic, they also have the power to care for them.

Berks DSA and Berks Stand Up's demands for supporting Franklin Manor are as follows:

1. Eviction must be delayed until all previous tenants are re-housed.

2. The West Reading Borough and Borough Manager Nicholas Imbesi must provide temporary housing for all Franklin Manor tenants and funds to cover moving costs in the long-term.

3. All tenants must be connected to the proper resources that will assist them in the rehousing process. Translation must be provided for those who need it.

4. The West Reading Borough must not carry out any more evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Please sign Berks DSA's petition to help the tenants of Franklin Manor. Housing is a human right that must be protected and defended, not hoarded for profit.