The Prestes Maia Hope

"If I pay my rent, I go hungry, so I don't pay and I become homeless," they were repeatedly told. As those involved looked up at the abandoned buildings, an idea began to hatch. In 1997 MSTC occupied its first building with 1,000 people and in 2002, the occupation of Prestes Maia became the biggest in South America with 468 families taking up illegal residence. Jomarina, Prestes Maia co-ordinator, smiles as she remembers that day. Together the families of all ages and ethnicities held hands, marched to the front door, and forced it open.