Model 6: Tenants Taking Ownership

This model of “tenants taking ownership” is introduced by Shane Claiborne who led a movement from his student cafeteria at Eastern College in St. Davids PA into the urban Philadelphia Kensington neighborhood that rivals third world conditions. On numerous occasions, Shane’s organization, The Simple Way, in partnership with the Kensington Welfare to Rights group, have housed homeless families in abandoned boarded up homes.  After being arrested the judge pardons them with a glimmer of pride, saying, “they are not criminals, but freedom fighters”.

In the chapter, Paul Smith unveils the amazing story of change from the inside out of one of the worst slum buildings in Los Angeles. It started with a small Bible study, not as experts with an agenda, but as neighbors seeking to share the gospel.  When tenants began to discuss the deteriorating conditions in their building, the idea of a resident takeover gradually emerged. This chapter describes their struggle with an unresponsive landlord—convicted of criminal building neglect—who eventually abandoned his property. With the help of community organizers and public-interest lawyers, the tenants formed a non-profit corporation, “Comunidad Cambria” that partnered with developers and the city-housing department to purchase and renovate the building.  The tenants elected Paul Smith as one of the board members, who tells of his role as an intercessor and bridge between cultures.  Paul felt the frustration of shared leadership, yet found this difficult role was community development at its best.  It was God’s plan for Paul’s transformation as well as for his neighborhood.  God’s fingerprints are clearly visible, as vibrant community life emerged—with youth now choosing college over gangs and tenants-turned-owners feeling pride in their building. This innovative 1907 architectural landmark that had decayed into an “eyesore,” is now an “eye catcher”—a sparkling, well-kept edifice that speaks to God’s creativity and beauty.

In addition to Comunidad Cambria and the work in the Kensington neighborhood, this model has been successful in only a handful of locations throughout the US.  New York has led the way, showing that it can be done. If you know of other successful incidents, please contact Jill Shook. 

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