11/25/14 Rising like a Phoenix out of the Ashes, Archbishop Romero Apartments

On March 12, 2008 a five alarm fire in Mount Pleasant left many poor families homeless.  The building tenants was getting organized to assert their rights to the landlord.  The fire was suspicious.  Still no conviction.

The tenants stayed organized, thanks to the efforts of Yasmin Romero-Latin, the president of the tenant organization.  Yasmin stayed in the neighborhood, became an ANC Commissioner and pestered and petitioned the DC Government, Councilman Jim Graham's office, and anywhere else she could to get the building repaired and rehabilitated so the tenants could move back.  

The ribbon is cut at the Monseñor Romero Apartments in Mount Pleasant by (l-r) Councilmember Jim Graham, Father Moisés Villalta, resident Eloisa Argueta, 50, Ted Loza, Scott Kline,  Yasmin Romero-Latin, Mayor Vincent Gray, Edmund Delaney, Steve Smith and Jogchum Poodt November 25^th.  /Photo by Nancy Shia 

 Mayor Vincent Gray addresses the gathering at the opening of the Monseñor Romero Apartments in Mount Pleasant November 25.  /Photo by Nancy Shia

 Father Moisés Villalta offers the benediction at the opening of the Monseñor Romero Apartments in Mount Pleasant, as Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham and Mayor Vincent Gray hold hands and pray  November 25.  /Photo by Nancy Shia

 Daniela Argueta, 12, Jessica Argueta, 24, Jessica Argueta, 22 months, Eloisa Argueta, 50 from Guatemala and Jose Lazo, 41 from El Salvador, stand in front of the Monseñor Romero Apartments November 25.  /Photo by Nancy Shia

 Daniela Argueta, 12, Jessica Argueta, 24, Jessica Argueta, 22 months and Eloisa Argueta, 50 from Guatemala stand in front of the Monseñor Romero Apartments November 25.  /Photo by Nancy Shia

 Yasmin Romero-Latin, Jim Graham, Jackie Reyes and Rob Richardson gather in front of the Monseñor Romero Apartments before the Grand Opening Ceremony November 25.  /Photo by Nancy Shia

 Councilman Jim Graham and Mayor Vincent gray shake hands gather in front of the Monseñor Romero Apartments at the Grand Opening Ceremony November 25.  /Photo by Nancy Shia

 Mayor Vincent Gray listens to Councilmember Jim Graham at the Monseñor Romero Apartments at the Grand Opening Ceremony November 25.  /Photo by Nancy Shia