Dear Friends,
We approach the end of a year full of trials and tribulations. In 2020, we witnessed a once-a-century global pandemic, a continued wave of social unrest in response to the inequities and indignities faced by people of color and other vulnerable populations, and political leadership that seems unwilling or incapable of dealing with any of it.
In times of crisis, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and disheartened. But times of crisis are also times of opportunity. We’ve seen examples of tremendous sacrifice and generosity in fighting against COVID-19 and its impacts. We’ve seen citizens stand and march together in the name of justice for those who have been oppressed and violated for far too long. We’ve seen communities aim to not only stand against injustice but to come together to build something better for our future.
When we fight for justice, justice wins.
MLRI has been inspired by the countless essential heroes and heroines in our community that have been a part of the fight for justice, and we are proud to be standing on the front lines alongside our partners and supporters like you. Tough times call for tough advocacy — and, with your support, MLRI is here to fight for justice and to give a voice to so many people who feel powerless or marginalized.
The racial and economic issues we’re dealing with now are not new. They are systemic and require creative, high-impact solutions. This year, your ongoing support enabled MLRI to marshal our half-century of experience in advocacy and partner with a strong coalition of allies to meet the demands and crises of our times.
As the year draws to a close, I humbly ask for your generous financial support to ensure MLRI is ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities that 2021 will present. Show your commitment to the fight for justice by joining our Justice Wins campaign and making a financial donation to the work of MLRI. Your tax-deductible gift in 2020 will ensure MLRI remains prepared to address and overcome the injustices that affect vulnerable people and communities.
Thanks to the hard work and commitment of people like you, we WILL create better times ahead. Together, we will create a more fair and just Commonwealth.
With gratitude and optimism for the victories still to come in 2021 and beyond,
Georgia D. Katsoulomitis
Executive Director
P.S. To show your commitment to the fight for justice, please consider a financial commitment to support the work of MLRI. Your tax-deductible gift in 2020 will ensure we’re prepared to seize every opportunity to overcome the many injustices that still beset vulnerable populations. Please make an online donation today. Thank you so much for your continued support and inspiration!
Thanks to your support, here are just a few things MLRI accomplished in 2020:
- MLRI collaborated with advocacy partners and community organizations to institute an eviction moratorium to protect tens of thousands of families from losing their homes due to the economic devastation caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
- MLRI was an instrumental partner in developing and implementing the COVID Eviction Legal Help Project, a statewide initiative that will provide legal counsel to low-income tenants and owner-occupied small landlords affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
- MLRI, on behalf of several partners, filed an amicus brief in a First Circuit case focused on the barriers low-income immigrant detainees face accessing legal counsel, resulting in a precedent-setting decision ensuring they will be provided adequate time to secure legal representation.
- MLRI worked with state agencies, the legislature, community groups, and advocacy partners to expand benefits and services to the most impacted households and communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- With justice in all aspects of daily life proving inequitable across racial lines, MLRI hired a new Race Equity & Justice Attorney to proactively fight for the rights of marginalized Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities.
- MLRI, working with legal aid partners and community groups, advanced initiatives to preserve approximately 10,000 units of privately-owned subsidized affordable housing at risk of losing long-term affordability.
- MLRI settled litigation that will result in $4.8 million going to 25,000 SNAP recipients unfairly terminated from benefits without advance notice.