ESFL Housing Justice Program

About Us

The housing justice program at the East Side Freedom Library is an innovative program designed to build solidarity and encourage community-driven solutions to systemic problems in housing on the East Side of Saint Paul. Beginning in March of 2019, the program began as a grassroots, cross-sector working group of organizations and businesses coming together to address racial inequity in housing on the East Side. As the group expanded, and more community input was gathered, the need for a clear plan of action became our objective. The community’s voice led us to create the housing justice program.

Our work has been facilitated by Program Director Benjamin Werner, with a team of 4-6 interns, an advisory committee of community members and through a working group of nonprofits and businesses coming together as “East Side Housing Justice”. Main areas of focus include:

1. Ensuring a democratic process in housing development on the East Side.
2. Using art to activate and inspire East Side residents to come together.
3. Supporting mutual aid efforts on the East Side as a response to our community’s needs and the needs of the unhoused.
4. Planning and implementing events to inspire solidarity and educate the community of the East Side around housing issues, homeownership, renting and innovative solutions to housing insecurity.
5. Explore and inform policies centered around building equity and wealth in the community, with a particular emphasis on addressing systemic racism within housing.

Posters for Housing Justice 

Inspired by artwork created at the 2019 Housing Summit, four different posters were designed, printed, and posted at various bus stops, businesses, and other locations around the East Side.
Designers: Gabi Estrada and Zoe Quinn.

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Projects Past and Present

Equitable Development

As the demand for housing has increased throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area, the East Side has begun to attract development and residents due to the low cost of land and housing. Historically, East Siders haven’t been included extensively in development plans through the city or private development. The Housing Justice Program is committed to working towards policies and developments that reduce disparities and meet community needs. East Side Freedom Library is a part of Housing Equity Now Saint Paul (HENS) working to advance the rights of renters in Saint Paul.

Hillcrest Development

ESFL will continue to engage East Siders around East Side development including the large Hillcrest Golf Course redevelopment.

East Side Housing Summit

Every year in early winter we host an annual East Side housing summit featuring speakers and artists while creating a space for community voice