Displacement: Stories and Solutions

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Anti-Displacement Task Force: Tell Your Story

Come to our recording session! The City is creating a short video about the stories of people from Somerville who have been forced to move. Help the Anti-Displacement Task Force develop and write ideas that will help our community members stay in Somerville by telling your story. If you prefer to remain anonymous during your interview or submitted recording, please contact adtf@somervillema.gov or Luis Quizhpe at 617 625-6600 X2505.
In-Person Dates and Times

Date: Wednesday, September 18 from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Location: The Tufts Administration Building, 167 Holland St. Suite 208, Somerville, MA 02144
Name

First NameLast Name
First Name
Last Name
Email
example@example.com
Email
Telephone
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
I am participating as a...*

ResidentCreativeSmall business
Yes, I would like to...*

Participate in an IN-PERSON interviewRecord and submit a VIDEO interview
Would you like language support or interpretation to participate in your interview?

YesNo
What is your your primary or preferred language(s)?

EnglishSpanishPortugueseHaitian CreoleNepaliChinese, MandarinChinese, CantoneseOther language
If other language, please list here:
Would you like any additional accommodations to participate in your interview?
Yes, I would like to...

Participate in an interview this Friday, June 28 at Somerville Community CorporationI would like to participate on a future date and timeRecord and submit a video interview
Select a time to participate in an IN-PERSON interview below:
If you have difficulty using the above calendar, please type your requested time below:
Self-Recorded Video Interview Directions

Prepare your space:
- Find a quiet location with good lighting
- Ensure the background is clear
Set up your phone:
- Use a tripod or stable surface to keep your phone steady
- Set your phone to landscape mode (horizontal)
Record the interview:
- Open your phone's camera app
- Frame yourself in the center of the screen
- Press record and start the interview
- Speak clearly and maintain eye contact with the camera
Review and save:
- Stop recording when finished
- Watch the video to ensure it's clear and complete
Submit the video:
- Open the video file on your phone
- Upload your video to the ADTF Displacement Stories or send it via email to adtf@somervillema.gov
Check submission:
- Confirm the video was uploaded or sent successfully
- If you prefer to remain anonymous during your interview or submitted recording, please contact adtf@somervillema.gov or Luis Quizhpe at 617 625-6600 X2505
Tell your story of displacement as you see fit. Some suggested topics and questions are below:
- Can you tell us about yourself and your history in Somerville?
- What changes did you notice in your neighborhood that indicated an increased risk of displacement?
- Can you describe the specific circumstances that led to your displacement or the threat of displacement?
- What could have been done differently (support, policies, etc.) to help you stay in your home?
- Is there anything else you would like to share?
Self-Recorded Video Interview Directions

Prepare your space:
- Find a quiet location with good lighting
- Ensure the background is clear
Set up your phone:
- Use a tripod or stable surface to keep your phone steady
- Set your phone to landscape mode (horizontal)
Record the interview:
- Open your phone's camera app
- Frame yourself in the center of the screen
- Press record and start the interview
- Speak clearly and maintain eye contact with the camera
Review and save:
- Stop recording when finished
- Watch the video to ensure it's clear and complete
Submit the video:
- Open the video file on your phone
- Upload your video to the ADTF Displacement Stories or send it via email to adtf@somervillema.gov
Check submission:
- Confirm the video was uploaded or sent successfully
- If you prefer to remain anonymous during your interview or submitted recording, please contact adtf@somervillema.gov or Luis Quizhpe at 617 625-6600 X2505
Tell your story of displacement as you see fit. Some suggested topics and questions are below:
- Can you tell us about yourself as a creative and your experience in Somerville?
- Can you describe the specific circumstances that led to your displacement or the threat of displacement?
- How did the higher costs for studio space, such as rent and utilities, impact your ability to stay in your studio or performance space?
- How have changes in your customer base, such as losing longtime residents and gaining new ones, impacted your business and profits?
- What could have been done differently (support, policies, etc.) to help you stay in your studio or performance space?
- Is there anything else you would like to share?
Self-Recorded Video Interview Directions

Prepare your space:
- Find a quiet location with good lighting
- Ensure the background is clear
Set up your phone:
- Use a tripod or stable surface to keep your phone steady
- Set your phone to landscape mode (horizontal)
Record the interview:
- Open your phone's camera app
- Frame yourself in the center of the screen
- Press record and start the interview
- Speak clearly and maintain eye contact with the camera
Review and save:
- Stop recording when finished
- Watch the video to ensure it's clear and complete
Submit the video:
- Open the video file on your phone
- Upload your video to the ADTF Displacement Stories or send it via email to adtf@somervillema.gov
Tell your story of displacement as you see fit. Some suggested topics and questions are below:
- Can you tell us about yourself and your small business? What inititially brought you to Somerville?
- Can you describe the specific circumstances that led to your business's displacement or the threat of displacement?
- How has the changing customer base, with old customers leaving and new ones coming in, affected your business and profits?
- What problems have you faced because of competition with big companies and new businesses that want to attract wealthier customers?
- How have changes in zoning laws and city rules, including incentives for new companies, affected your business?
- What could have been done differently (support, policies, etc.) to help your small business stay in Somerville?
- Is there anything else you would like to share?
Please upload your self-recorded video interview here:

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The City of Somerville wants to ensure residents and guests can access City programs, activities, and meetings. Persons with disabilities should contact Adrienne Pomeroy at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or ADA@somervillema.gov to make requests for services, including:
- Services for communication (i.e., CART, ASL).
- Print materials in revised formats.
- Reasonable modifications in policies and procedures.
For more information, visit voice.somervillema.gov/adtf
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Anti-Displacement Task Force: Tell Your Story