After weeks of organizing, the Ferndale Mobile Home Tenant Union says it has reached an agreement with New Tide LLC by negotiating directly with its president, Antonio Ribeiro. The agreement will provide additional relocation support and more time for union families to move.
As part of the agreement, New Tide LLC will transfer $70,000 in relocation assistance to a nonprofit third party for distribution to members of the Ferndale Mobile Home Tenant Union, which represents a majority of Ferndale households, including both renters and homeowners. Union families will also now have until July 22 to relocate from the property.
The agreement comes after residents organized to demand meaningful support during the displacement process. Members of the Ferndale Mobile Home Tenant Union said they appreciate Ribeiro and New Tide LLC for taking steps to address residents’ concerns and work toward a resolution that provides families with greater stability during the transition.
While relocation will still be difficult for many families amid North Charleston’s affordable housing crisis, residents said Ribeiro and New Tide LLC’s willingness to work with Ferndale families gives them an opportunity to relocate from a position of greater stability and dignity rather than desperation.