Our Work

Legal Advocacy

At East Boston Spatial Justice Lab, our team of legal professionals and law students play an integral role in providing advocacy support to the community. We help residents understand their rights, particularly around housing, and equip them with the necessary legal knowledge to navigate the complexities of the housing justice system. This includes providing assistance in eviction cases, securing pandemic rental relief, and more. We believe in the power of legal advocacy as a tool for spatial justice. We work closely with the Northeastern University School of Law Housing Clinic to support East Boston residents with issues connected to housing and eviction.

Community Building

Community building lies at the heart of the EBSJL's work. We create a nurturing platform for the community to connect, share experiences, and work collectively towards combating housing insecurity. Our community-building efforts extend from hosting art-based events and learning pods to forming and supporting coalitions like the Boston Housing Support Station Coalition, which was instrumental in addressing the housing challenges that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Art & Design

The EBSJL recognizes and utilizes the transformative power of art as a means to address spatial (in)justice. We engage local artists and residents in a series of art-based events, activities, and learning pods, providing avenues to express, educate, and inspire. Our collaborations include projects like Fight Displacement!, a board game designed to educate Bostonians on housing displacement and the role of art in contemporary issues.

Mentorship

The EBSJL is committed to fostering a learning environment for all. We mentor emerging community leaders, aspiring artists, law students, and young professionals, providing them with the skills and knowledge to address spatial justice issues. By guiding the next generation, we ensure the continuation and enhancement of our work, nurturing a community that can self-advocate and stand up for spatial justice.

Publications

Our work at EBSJL extends to the sphere of publications. We document our research, project findings, and spatial justice dialogues, transforming them into accessible materials. Our publications serve as a resource for academics, policymakers, artists, community organizers, and anyone interested in spatial justice, fostering a broader understanding of housing justice, spatial arrangements, and their impacts on communities.

Research

The EBSJL places a strong emphasis on research as an avenue for understanding and action. Our research agenda explores the intersections of arts, culture, and spatial justice. Current initiatives examine how arts and culture can create spaces that foster community building, belonging, and social cohesion. Through our research, we aim to deepen our understanding of these dynamics and inform our work, allowing us to implement effective strategies in our quest for spatial justice.