WE would like to thank Wirral residents for helping to prevent the eviction of over 1,000 vulnerable people from their home in São Paulo, Brazil.

The residents of the Mauá building, an abandoned hotel that lay empty for 17 years, moved in ten years ago and lovingly renovated it to create a vibrant community hub.

Since they moved in, they fought, in accordance with Brazilian law, for the authorities to acquire the building and convert it into social housing for low-income families but in September, were served an eviction notice.

In a landmark case, and after ongoing campaigning by the families and local CAFOD supporters,  public authorities have agreed to purchase the building to convert it into social housing.

People from around Wirral rallied together: spreading the word on social media, signing the petition and standing in solidarity with the community.

Thanks to the support of local people, the 237 families who have spent months facing an uncertain future on the streets can spend their Christmas safe in the knowledge that they will not lose their homes.

Bridget Fenwick, CAFOD representative for Wirral.